Recent research has found that 48% of farmers believe the removal of BPS payments by 2028 will have the biggest impact on their farm business going forward.

The poll, carried out by the National Farm Research Unit (part of the Map of Ag Group) on behalf of the Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM), asked farmers about the biggest issues they will face in the next three years, as part of the lead up to the IAgrM National Farm Management Conference in November.

“We wanted farmers to be involved in shaping the conference this year,” said John Giles, Institute of Agricultural Management council member.

Ending of BPS payments was way out in front in the results, with increased restrictions on input use and ability to achieve net zero carbon targets and the impact of climate change coming in second and third respectively.

“It’s interesting to hear that this is such a focus, as the main aim of the conference is to look ahead to transitioning into life after direct payments.

“Rather than just talking about the issues, we’ve taken it a step further to look at life beyond this and what skills and solutions are needed to get ready for this momentous change,” said Giles.

The conference titled ‘Agriculture 2028: Transitioning to Life Beyond Direct Payments’ is to be held at the QE II Centre in London, on November 16.