THE agricultural business community came out in force to a Common Agricultural Policy mid-term review seminar.

The CAP seminar held last week, packed out the Bluebell Inn, Upton-upon-Severn.

The capacity audience heard speakers discuss the effects of the mid-term review, hailed as the most significant reform of the price support and subsidy system for farmers since CAP was introduced.

The review will affect the majority of farmers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and lead to dramatic changes in cropping, stocking and in farming businesses.

Guided

The audience was guided through the proposals, how they will affect practical every-day farming and the impact they will have on profitability.

Presenters included Stephen Smallwood and Peter Lewis, from Thorne Widgery chartered accountants, Hereford, who had organised the seminar.

They discussed general tax issues and specific VAT implications of the review on diversification projects, including surplus farm buildings.

Information

Mr Smallwood said he had organised the seminar because his clients in the agricultural and rural sectors felt no-one was providing any real information about the mid-term review.

"We decided to get together and do something about it," he said.

"We have been delighted with the turn-out and will certainly be planning another event in the near future."