FARMERS in the two counties will need expert guidance to cope with new reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy, according to a Hereford-based accountancy firm.
"The changes are expected to revolutionise the management of farms from a production-led system to one that encourages a more environmental approach to countryside management," said Ann Sheldon, Baker Tilly's Hereford-based agriculture specialist.
"Farming is already in severe difficulties after BSE, the foot-and-mouth disaster and very poor cereal prices.
"Now the CAP reforms are increasing the challenges for the industry."
She said larger, arable farmers, in particular, could suffer under the new system, which would probably reduce the maximum aid they received.
"Farmers will have to learn how to maximise the benefits of the proposals."
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