24 November 2006

2 minute read

Europe

With the support of the industry, the 2005/2006 farm costings data contained in the latest edition of EBLEX Business Pointers does not include the Single Farm Payment, and also incorporates a number of non-cash costs.

Taking these elements into consideration, the statistics show that average beef producers are making a loss of between £74.37 and £425.39 per head and average sheep producers are losing between £2.45 and £49.25 per head.

EBLEX Chief Executive Richard Ali said: "These figures make for uncomfortable reading, but are the first to treat the farm business on the same financial footing as any other business.

"EBLEX firmly believes these figures provide a sound starting point for everyone involved in the industry to understand what needs to happen to achieve a more sustainable future for the beef and lamb sector."

Mr Ali stressed that although a sustainable future was not just about price, retailers could play their part in building a profitable supply chain: "Consumers have sent clear signals that they want to buy quality, home - produced assured beef and lamb.

"Ensuring that product is clearly differentiated on retail shelves is vital both to help shoppers to make informed choices and ensure the much talked-about reconnection of the beef and lamb chain really does happen - because the reality is that imported meat does not help maintain the English countryside."

Source: farminguk.com