What factors might affect ELBs businesses?

What will these do to my chances of getting a job?

There are several factors which will potentially drive change:

Labour supply

Economic conditions

Animal health and welfare

Health and safety

New approaches to land management & environment

Knowledge transfer and technology change

Climate change

Energy and fuel security

Food security

New approaches to land management & environment

Common Agricultural

Policy

Water framework – management of nitrogen, phosphorus and other nutrients

Sustainable use directive – management of grasslands

Nitrate vulnerable zones

Knowledge transfer and technology change

Research into new methods e.g. soil science, animal nutrition, weed science, crop pathology

Technology transfer for new technologies, higher technical skill requirements, revision of training provision

Genetic engineering has allowed new plants to be bred that resist drought and disease and give higher yields

Greenhouses, with computer-controlled technology, provide ideal conditions for high quality crops. The computer controls the temperature, moisture level and amount of feed for the plants

Animal health and welfare

Higher standards required for all people working with animals

Legislation relating to animal transport

For example, disease control, disease identification and bio-security

Health and safety

Reduction in occupational hazards to minimise ill health

Improved learning provision leading to safer working

Legislative requirements to raise awareness and compliance

Energy and fuel security

Cost of fuel and energy to business

Use of waste as a resource e.g. anaerobic digesters

Development of bio-mass supply chains for bio-fuels

Food securityConsumer behaviour – greater convenience, range of choice, healthy lifestyles

Food 2030 strategy – Government interest in food security

Food information for consumers

New approaches to land management leading to conflicting priorities

Supply chain management and trade developments

Climate change

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions – low carbon farming

Skills for water management, nitrous oxide and methane production

Farms to respond to changes in climate

Labour SupplyAttracting new entrants of all ages: ELBs businesses have an older labour base currently

Better careers advice will help businesses to plan for the future

Lifelong learning and CPD

Influencing migration policyLabour costs vary: some farmers use abundant

cheap labour instead of machines. In the UK, where labour is expensive, they use machines.• People working on farms may be unskilled labourers or skilled and able to use machinery, e.g. tractors, harvesters and milking machines.

Economic conditions

Impact of recession : consumers with less income, energy costs

Global markets, global supply so increased competition

Responding to consumer demand. E.g switching crops when demand changes

Availability of capital from banks: investment can be used to increase machinery, fences, seeds, fertiliser and for renewing buildings.If a farmer can afford to invest capital, yields will rise and can create greater profits.

Example business: Riding or Livery Stables Which factors would help you if you were working as a stable manager? Identify the impact of minimum three factors e.g. Recession, food costs, minimum wage.

Example business: Market gardenWhich factors would add cost to your products if you were running a small market garden delivering fresh vegetables and herbs to local restaurants? E.g. Fuel costs, increased regulation of pesticides, climate change

Example business: Arable farm (wheat)Wheat farming is influenced by local conditions and global markets. Adverse weather conditions can delay or reduce harvest. Wheat prices vary according to global markets. Other countries can produce wheat cheaply so farmers must be competitive. Science, technology and plant breeding have increased outputs.