LIVESTOCK farmers along the banks of the River Wye in Herefordshire face financial hardship because of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms, says research commissioned on behalf of the Wye Valley Graziers.

Working with the valley's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) unit, a study commissioned by the Graziers shows that farmers could lose at least £150 for every beef cow they produce.

The forecast is all the more worrying at the present time with low prices within the beef industry.

Catherine Fookes, development officer with the valley's AONB unit, fears that losses in beef production could encourage graziers to adopt more intensive agricultural practices, which would pose a threat to the farmed landscape of the internationally-important area.

Overall, the AONB unit welcomes the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme and the new environment schemes as an incentive for farmers to pursue more environmentally friendly farming practices.

However, it is urging Defra to address the specific concerns about the impact of the English version of the scheme on livestock farmers along the Wye.

It is making a case for the Graziers to be admitted, as a group, to the Higher Level Scheme, thereby receiving enhanced payments.

It has also helped commission case studies of farmers to look at how their farm incomes are changing under the new scheme.

Studies have been carried out at holdings around Holme Lacy, Fownhope and Hereford. The results will be used to lobby for more financial help.

One case study indicated farmers could lose at least £150 per beef animal under the new scheme. Another study showed that after seven years a farmer would be £20,000 worse off.

Agricultural intensification has already led to significant changes.

Field boundaries have disappeared, orchards have been grubbed up, the river flood plain has been ploughed for potatoes and arable crops and farmers have been lured by the demand for out-of-season strawberries, which need to be grown in polytunnels.

"The uncertain future for livestock farming poses a threat to the biodiversity in the Wye Valley AONB and risks the disappearance of the traditional farmed landscape," said Catherine.

"Without more help, livestock farmers are likely to turn to more profitable and intensive farming which increases the risk of pollution on the River Wye, creates more erosion, reduces wildlife and changes the appearance of the countryside forever."

Owen Whittall, chairman of Graziers, said: "Farmers here will never be able to produce beef at the same costs as Argentina, so if we want a landscape that is beautiful, diverse and includes grazing livestock, farmers will have to be rewarded either by consumers consistently rejecting foreign beef and choosing British beef, or by higher environmental subsidies."

Catherine added: "Anyone who is concerned can support the AONB campaign by writing to their MP to ask them to lobby for the Wye Valley Graziers to be made a special case."

Any farmers who would like to join the Graziers or find out more details should contact Catherine on 01600 710841 or e-mail development@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk.