Farmer Confidence Falls

The 5^th annual Farmer Confidence survey has revealed a drop in short term optimism in the industry.  Over half of respondents stated that, over the next year, their business would see negative effects relating to regulation and legislation (77%), CAP reform (59%), output prices (56%) and input prices (52%).  The volatility in prices seen over the past year has knocked the industry’s confidence.  The proportion of farmers concerned with output prices have more than doubled since last year’s survey. However long-term the industry remains relatively optimistic.