British land supply lowest since crisis year 2001

The supply of agricultural land in Britain has reached its lowest point in the first half since the foot-and-mouth disease crisis in 2001. Until the end of June 2019, 'only' 74.000 hectares were sold publicly, real estate service provider Savills reports.

Only in crisis year 2001, when foot-and-mouth disease broke out, was even less agricultural land sold publicly: 61.000 hectares. In 2004, just before the company supplement was introduced, the supply was equal to the first half of 2019 until the end of June.

Largest drop in Wales
In England, the supply decreased by 2018% compared to the first half of 23 and amounted to 54.000 hectares. In Scotland, 31% less agricultural land was sold publicly: 16.200 hectares, compared to 2018 hectares in the first half of 23.600. The biggest decrease can be seen in Wales, where the figure fell from 7.080 to 3.860 hectares (-45%).

De land prices are stable. The average value of prime cropland and grade 3 grassland in Great Britain was £8.700 per acre (€9.442) and £5.500 per acre (€5.969) respectively. Converted that is about €23.600 and €14.900 per hectare respectively.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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