Farmers and crofters in Argyll are being urged to take part in a major survey, which aims to assess the current situation of agriculture and crofting in the region.

Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) and the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum have commissioned the study with questionnaires being mailed to farmers and crofters in the AIE area over the coming weeks.

AIE is fully funding the survey and the findings will help to inform future sector development.  The results will also shape how agriculture and crofting in Argyll will be supported in the future.

AIE chief executive, Ken Abernethy said: "Farming and crofting are extremely valuable to the economy of Argyll and the Islands. 

"Alterations to the Common Agricultural Policy and the earlier publication of the Forward Strategy for Agriculture are likely to result in some significant changes in agricultural practices across Scotland.  It is very important that we know what the current situation is so we can prepare effectively for the future."

The survey is seeking various types of information from farmers and crofters.  The questionnaires ask for a profile of the business and what the inputs and outputs are, in particular the amount of output, where it is going and when.  Farmers and crofters are also asked to communicate their views on the opportunities and challenges they face in managing their farm or croft over the next five years.

Crises in the industry such as BSE and Foot and Mouth, coupled with the strength of the pound have highlighted the ongoing changes within agriculture and crofting.

According to Angus MacFadyen of the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum, it is crucial that every farmer and crofter in the region takes part in the survey.  He explained: "Farmers and crofters across Argyll are a very resilient people but they face many challenges over the next few years.  Equally there will also be opportunities arising from changes in how agriculture is supported.

"As such this survey gives the local industry the chance to tell us what direction agriculture is going in and what obstacles lie in the way.  It also gives local farmers and crofters the opportunity to suggest ways in which we can respond to these challenges and opportunities.

"The survey is the first step in a major effort to help farmers and crofters adapt to the future.  We are all fully committed to helping agriculture get back to a more prosperous level where farmers and crofters can invest with confidence in their businesses for the future."

Commenting on the importance of the survey, Councillor Robin Banks, depute leader and development and environment spokesperson for Argyll and Bute Council said: "This is the most ambitious study into agriculture in Argyll and Bute to be carried out in many years.  The results will be used to help the industry develop in the region for a long tome to come and I would encourage all of the agriculture community to fill in the questionnaire and support this study."

Iain Campbell of Inverness-based Hecla Consulting is carrying out the study on behalf of AIE and the Argyll and Bute Agricultural Forum.