With the coalition government's squeeze on expenditure it seems likely that farm subsidy payments - whether the Single Farm Payment or Rural Development Programme for England - will be in the firing line.

Farms that are currently showing a small profit could be in a position where they see the funds available for reinvestment significantly dwindling.

"We have looked at this problem with several of our clients and found the potential to significantly increase income in a number of ways," says James Fulton of Berrys in Northamptonshire.

"The inception of Feed In Tariffs (FITs) in April of this year has drastically increased the viability of small to mid range electricity production.  By making use of a south facing roof or a suitable location for a mid range wind turbine landowners can see a return of between 10 and 20 per cent on their investment equivalent to a pay back of as little as five years," he said.  

"In the best case scenario an investment of £500,000 could see an income of in excess of £150,000 per annum with the technology guaranteed for up to 12 years and the government assured payments guaranteed for up to 25 years."

While many are unsure of larger scale wind farm developments, the economics work best with a mid range turbine considerably smaller than a standard pylon which are considerably less visually intrusive and as such far less likely to upset the neighbours.

"There are very few sites where there is no potential at all - it just comes down to what suits your lifestyle and what rate of return you are willing to accept," he added.

For a free, no obligation, confidential discussion please contact James Fulton at Berrys' Kettering office on 01536 532386.

For more information about Berrys, please visit their website here: www.berrybros.com