A PROFESSIONAL body within the farming industry has claimed that factors such as climate change will change how land will be used in the future.

The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) has recently reviewed potential issues and opportunities for farmers both in the region and across the UK and the organisation has revealed their thoughts on the future of the industry.

“From the overarching umbrella of climate change to advancing technologies, growing populations and development, shifting public tastes and expectations for air, water quality and biodiversity, how land is farmed and the purposes it is put to are going to change exponentially in the coming decades,” said Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the CAAV.

“Now out of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), founded on cereals and beef, what might we be farming in 2030?

“This will not only be about changing businesses but also changing landscapes, as each farmer and landowner reacts to the challenges and opportunities in order to grow and thrive.

“The outcomes will be seen in the context of the long history of our landscapes, not just the last 50 years. These decisions will make our future countryside.”

The report, compiled by the CAAV, has listed five possible ways as to where farming could change in the future. These include commodity producers needing to keep costs of production down as well as them also needing to look more specifically at the land they use.

The report also states farmers may look at doing something different for the market or try and add value to produce

“Farmers need to be interested in what is happening beyond the farm gate,” added Jeremy while discussing the report’s findings.

“Success in this approach won’t depend on the area of land but on successfully managing the business.”

The report also suggests several more potential changes to the use of land within the industry in the future including using land for higher value production and also using area farmers own as they look to supply public goods and also try to help improve the environment.

“Though land use may be largely dictated by its climate and geology, there’s generally a wide range of environmental options, many of which can support better farming,”said Jeremy.

Another potential change in the use of land could see areas become used more regularly for environmental purposes without farming taking place according to the report.