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Should Michael Gove’s tough love for the countryside worry rural agents?

The DEFRA minister's interview with the Knight Frank blog warns of more change for rural economy after Brexit as direct payments to farmers are phased out.

Nigel Lewis

Rural agents could soon be in for a rough ride after Brexit if Michael Gove’s comments this week to Knight Frank’s blog are anything to go by.

Tipped to become Home Secretary when Amber Rudd resigned recently, he was pipped to the post by former housing minister Sajid Javid.

But Gove now has big reforms for the rural economy in his sights after the UK exits the EU next year.

During the interview with Knight Frank’s Andrew Shirley for the estate agent’s blog, Gove said he was listening to farmers, but that the old system of direct payments was outdated and that he wanted a future farming policy that works for everyone, “including consumers and environmentalists,” he said.

But Gove’s comments may signal difficulties ahead for agents who sell agricultural land, estates and rural properties.

The keen brexiteer makes it clear that he believes the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy has not been good for the countryside, has discouraged entrepreneurial behaviour and, Knight Frank points out,  has helped prop up unprofitable businesses.

“There is no doubt the current system of direct payments has held back the industry,” says Gove.

“In many cases these payments have raised land prices and rents and stifled innovation.”

But rural prices have been resistant to Brexit jitters so far, only easing off 3% over the past few months, Knight Frank says, prompted by demand outstripping supply in many areas of the UK as farmers and investors pile into the green stuff, and the generous tax reliefs and subsidies still on offer to farmers, despite Gove’s plans for change.

June 8, 2018

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