Farming is one of the key industries in Suffolk and East Anglian farmers are suffering very badly. There is a crisis in the pig sector and arable farmers are in a much worse position than for many years and are facing very high costs. There are those having to dry crops longer because of the weather and high fuel costs. Mr Yeo added he hoped the 24.2m would be used to improve rural areas, including transport. Alastair McCormack, chairman of the Suffolk branch of the National Farmers Union, said existing co-operatives would be looking for a share of the money to improve their services and marketing.
Fuel is a concern too.
Dr Wil Gibson, chief executive of rural charity Suffolk Acre, hoped the Government cash would be used to allow farmers to diversify. If this encourages them to do so, then great. Farmers produce the raw material and then ship away the carcass or wheat. The Eastern region and the county has lost out, farmers could package their materials and set up joint companies to purchase farm machinery. Copyright 2000 Eastern Counties Newspapers Group Ltd , all rights reserved.