Reaction to EU policy still unclear

FARMERS are still not clear how they will react to the new European Union policy environment, according to a Teagasc survey.

Many are responding to questions about cattle numbers and crop acreages by saying they will wait and see.

Teagasc national farm survey chief Liam Connelly said farmers indicated, however, that reductions in sheep numbers of 6% and of cereal acreages of 12% are likely medium-term responses, with an increase in area devoted to forestry.