Farmers warn of 'strangled' industry

FUW president Bob Parry believes diversity is essential

Farmers leaders are warning that red tape could 'strangle the life' out of new farming initiatives before they had the chance to get off the ground.

With the industry facing tough times, more and more farmers are diversifying.

But this often brings them up against new and unfamiliar regulations.

Despite public perception, the Farmers' Union of Wales argues that its members are highly adaptable and ready to try new methods of farming and other options to ensure they can continue making a living.

'Strangled': Farming faces more challenges

But with as much as 75% of the Welsh countryside covered by some form of conservation or environmental protection - farmers often find their plans coming up against a wall of regulations.

In fact, many believe it is not their lack of willingness to change, but local authorities' inability to interpret planning laws more creatively.

As things stand farmers find it difficult to change the use of agricultural buildings for commercial, leisure or light industry use, even though government policy is in favour of farm diversification.

'Branching out'

The FUW has now drawn up a list of proposals to help farmers adapt, and are awaiting the reaction of the National Assembly for Wales.

Union president Bob Parry said: "Despite what people think, farmers are highly adaptable and are willing to look at new initiatives and new working practices.

"A large number of farmers have diversified their core farm businesses or branched out into contracting services to increase farm income.

"At the same time, I believe it is important that future development is not strangled by red tape."