Is English farm policy better under Brexit?

The Economist thinks that getting rid of the Common Agricultural Policy has led to a more effective farm policy in England so it is one example of a Brexit dividend (Wales and Scotland are different cases).

The journal comes from a stance that favours market oriented policies so the views expressed in an editorial and article are no great surprise.  In broad terms I agree with them.   This doesn't mean that Brexit was a good idea viewed in the round, but the CAP remains a dysfunctional policy in many respects.

First, I think that blanket subsidies for farmers related to the size of farm discourage innovation.  They could well be used for personal consumption rather than investment in the enterprise.   Scotland continues to give direct subsidies as part of a generous package for farmers (but they have elections in May).  Wales offers such support to a lesser extent.

Funds should be linked to specific policy targets and in particular genuine public goods such as the environmental benefits specified in current policy.

Given the sector's poor productivity record and the need to take advantage of digital technology, money should be made available for capital investment and training.  New capital grants have recently been announced, but the funding does not match the scale of the problem and is likely to run out quickly.

The conflict in the Middle East has given farm organisations the chance to bang the food security drum to justify a restoration of direct support, but food security is a merit good rather than a public good.  Our imported food comes from a wide range of countries.

As The Economist points out, diversification has been important for the viability of farm businesses.  A family moved from Wales to the better land of Warwickshire in the 1930s.  The land is still farmed and the farm manager was short listed for farm manager of the year a few years back

However, their main now comes from a very successful removals and storage business (I am a satisfied customer of both aspects of their operation).   Business is so good they have a coffee shop on site.

Watching the latest series of This Farming Life it is also evident that many farms rely on the off farm income of at least one partner.  (One farming relative has married a university lecturer).

Farming involves hard physical work, good business sense and long hours, but this doesn't justify distorting subsidies.