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 security Consumer 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 Supply Attracting 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 policy Labour 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 garden Which 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.