SCORES of farmers are already seeking to boost their business resilience and become more self-reliant as Brexit uncertainty soars to new heights, a Farmers Guardian survey has revealed.

With little detail on the future trading environment outside the EU and against a backdrop of political turmoil, producers are taking proactive measures now.

The State of UK Agriculture report, based on the responses from more than 1,100 farmers nationwide, shows current business confidence is fairly high, but dips when looking beyond March 2019.

It reveals 60 per cent are currently making ‘future-proofing’ changes to their business, and only about one-third said Brexit had made them change their mind on intended investment or diversification.

There is some geographical variations in that Northern Ireland respondents lack confidence both now and in regards to the post-Brexit scenario.

Regarding the UK’s ability to achieve new export deals outside the EU, there is some optimism among respondents, albeit 18 per cent were ‘not at all confident’.

Besides Brexit, the main concerns voiced were about the weather, cheap food imports, a fall in subsidies and rural crime.

However, 48 per cent said they required more information on the Government’s ‘payment for public goods’ principle before answering, 34 per cent disagreed with it and only 18 per cent thought it was a good idea.

The CLA’s chief land use policy adviser Susan Twining welcomed the fact the majority of the survey respondents were already taking steps to future-proof their farm businesses.

“The uncertainty around Brexit makes this challenging,” she said, “but those who are preparing judiciously for the future will be the most resilient and best-placed to take advantage of new opportunities.

“The survey results show the need for more information about the payments for public goods scheme.

“Government should take note of this and provide clarity as early as possible on how the system will work in practice for farmers and landowners, what payment rates will be, and how the new system can be introduced smoothly and in good time to off-set reductions in Common Agricultural Policy payments.”