Farmers cultivating new ways to diversify

EIGHT in 10 farmers claim tough market conditions have forced them to consider alternative revenue streams, research shows.

- Henry Saker-Clark

Interviews with 100 freehold farmers found all of them were trying to diversify from traditional arable, dairy or livestock farming in a bid to boost their income.

And 80 of them said they felt pressured to do so by the current market dynamics in the agricultural sector.

The poll, commissioned by Investec Wealth & Investment, highlighted the challenges facing farmers struggling with cost inflation, labour shortages and pressure to keep prices low.

Over half -54% - said their farm's income rose over the past two years because of other income streams.