S/N/26. Dissertation. Evaluate farmer's knowledge on the common agricultural policy and responses to the changes in the Peak District

The starting point of this research study is to look at the common agricultural policy (CAP) reforms agreed in June 2003; the impact on farms in the UK is likely to be significant, with negative impacts on farm incomes expected for the dairy sector. The study area focuses on farms in the Peak district and looks at in particular the levels of understanding, awareness and perceived impact on income of the CAP reforms. A telephone questionnaire was used to assess these impacts, with a total sample of 24. The study also reviews the major reports on the potential impacts of the CAP reforms from the House of Commons, DEFRA, the peak district national park authority and opinions have been collected from a range of specialists in this area of research. The literature highlights the highlights the significance of the CAP reforms and their potential impact on the environment and on farmers. The research findings showed that dairy farms appear to have the highest levels of awareness and understanding of the CAP reforms but their perceived impact on income is negative. Generally levels of awareness was high for all farm types in the study area, however levels of understanding of CAP reforms is low for the whole study area with the exception of dairy farms.