Latest AHDB outlooks outlines farming’s potential future
The impact of the COVID-19 crisis, unusually dry weather and uncertainty surrounding the UK’s future trading relationships are all explored in the latest Agri-Market Outlook.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has released its latest outlook based on the most up-to-date intelligence, combining feedback and insight from experts across the agri-food industry with AHDB sector specialists’ expertise.
This fourth Agri-Market Outlook analyses farming prospects sector by sector for the coming 12 to 18 months and explores the longer-term impact of economic and policy drivers on industry.
It also includes a focus on how consumer buying behaviours are impacting the sectors, building in retail and foodservice trends. Also, for the first time, it goes into greater depth on future demand predictions in light of COVID-19.
AHDB Market Intelligence Director Phil Bicknell said: “It is fair to say that UK agriculture has had a tough 2020 so far and with so much uncertainty in the months and year ahead, with direct payments being phased out and negotiations with the EU ongoing, the challenges faced by industry will reach a whole new level.
“In this latest Agri-Market Outlook, we have explored everything from COVID-19 to the unusually dry spring restricting grass and crop growth. It’s a lot to take on board, even for such a resilient industry.
“The bottom line for me is that better evidence means better decisions. As the same time, making sense of such a volatile and uncertain world is a challenge. So, whether you use the outlooks for business planning or to understand the market dynamics, I hope you find this latest intelligence relevant for your farm business planning for whatever the future holds.”
