BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR COUNTY'S FARMERS

Organic dairy farmer Mr Hook of Longley's Farm, Hailsham, expects the Government's forthcoming farm income figures to show a small improvement from2006.

He says there are encouraging signs on the horizon.

'I believe that 2006 has marked a turning point for agriculture and indeed for the NFU.

'Never before has there been so much public interest in food and how far it has travelled. You only have to pick up a newspaper or magazine and there are articles about local food and food miles.

'This is good news both for the small producer who is diversifying and for the profitability of mainstream agriculture. Consumers are so much more discerning and aware of the origins of their food now.

'We have a great opportunity as an industry to engage with our customers '“ nobody should miss opportunities to talk our industry up and be proud of it.'

He added: 'Historic reforms of European Union Common Agricultural Policy saw the abolition of production based subsidies in the UK in 2005 and farmers are now reacting to the demands of the world market place.

'It's a tough economic climate for us all but there are encouraging signs.

'Key challenges in 2007 will be reducing red tape. We remain committed to helping farmers and growers work together more effectively to achieve efficiency in the supply chain.

'We are also determined to make bureaucrats recognise that they will achieve more by working together with farmers than by over-regulation.'