Industry Eye: Agricultural sector has to gear up for the huge changes over the next few decades

'Food 2030's' underlying message is simple "expect change" and undoubtedly most farmers are already expecting this over the next decade.

Key factors in the report affecting agriculture are:

Food production must increase to feed a growing population.

Agriculture will be expected to become more competitive and responsive to national and global markets. Ultimately, this should make British agriculture more profitable and innovative.

CAP reform: the current government envisages no subsidies by 2030 with export subsidies eliminated by 2013.

In the years leading to 2030, farmers will only be subsidised for producing 'societal benefits', particularly environmental benefits achieved through co-operation where possible.

Inputs and waste will need to be reduced, for example making better use of farmyard manure rather than chemical fertilisers.

Farmers' markets and regional speciality foods will continue to be encouraged.

Anaerobic digestion will be promoted as a good use of waste and a sustainable power supply. Farmers should also be prepared to grow bio-fuels for renewable energy production.

Farmers should be willing to embrace new crops to increase food production or mitigate the effects of climate change.

Research into GM technologies will increase and it's likely we can expect promotion of GM crops in the future. More concerning is the suggestion that UK consumers may be encouraged to reduce consumption of red meat for health reasons and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

It is encouraging to see that the current government is recognising the importance of food production but they need to allow supply and demand to be its principal driving forces. Agriculture is a business just like any other so if it makes a margin then that crop or animal will be grown.

Environmental legislation is bound to get tighter and more stringent.

Amazingly, GM technology makes a welcome introduction into a government document and it will be interesting to see how this progresses. There needs to be a clear plan on informing the public, because to date, more harm has been done than good. DEFRA needs to take a lead and work alongside the private sector in promoting a positive image and allowing research to continue so we can take up this technology when the time is right.

Much of the report's content reflects what bodies such as the Commercial Farmers' Group have been talking about for years, but it is a step in the right direction.

Louis Fell is a partner at chartered surveyors George F. White who operate throughout Yorkshire. Contact www.georgefwhite. co.uk