It was reported today that the UK government will pay older farmers to retire, in an effort to bring new blood to the industry. Read the story on BBC News here.

Professor Wyn Grant, who has expertise in agricultural policy, offers his comment:

"There is not always a willing successor as sons and daughters may not want to take on an arduous responsibility with often low returns. The statistics often underestimate the extent to which children are already involved in running the farm. This policy may halt mergers of farms into more efficient units.

"Nevertheless, younger farmers are more likely to be innovative and boost productivity and be more interested in environmentally friendly methods of farming."

19 May 2021

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