This year looks promising for the land-based sector. Rural commentator Pat Crawford gathers predictions from leading industry figures.

Research last year indicated that Kent’s rural sector has a net asset base of £5.4 billion, which would place it 57th in the FTSE 100.

Getting on for 85% of the county is officially designated rural, 250,000 hectares of which is farmland.

Against this background, pressures from climate change and population growth mean that land usage, environmental issues and food production will become ever more important during 2013.

The county’s rural sector needs to be strong, vibrant and resilient. Individuals who have key roles in the sector are largely optimistic.

Hadlow College’s finance director Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, a recent winner of the ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) national Finance for the Future award, has said: “First of all, we need greater appreciation of the contribution Kent’s rural sector plays in the county’s economy.

"Secondly, we must increase awareness of the ways in which buying regionally-produced food and services safeguards jobs and benefits the economy.

“Thirdly, we need the banks to revitalise and lend more to business while at the same time assisting entrepreneurs. SMEs set up to fill niches in times of recession have above-average chance of success.”

Douglas Jackson heads AG Advisory, which provides information and advice for landowners, farmers, related business services and contractors.

He believes the challenges faced by farmers and landowners afford considerable potential for growth but demand careful strategic risk management.

“The opportunities for individuals to open small niche businesses will also expand but, in both cases, professional advice and operational control will be essential factors.”

According to George Jessel, chairman of Kent County Agricultural Society, 2013 will be a year of opportunity.

“Farmers now need to be highly organised to take advantage of the current technology in farming practices.

"New developments in satellite systems can offer greater efficiency to fieldwork – and crop commodity prices are at an all-time high.”

Similar sentiments are expressed by James Smith, chairman of Kent NFU. “The prospect for jobs and growth in the rural sector has never been better.”

These largely upbeat predictions are important to the county for several reasons.

Food, and our ability to provide security of supply, will climb higher up the agenda and the fact that commentators are generally optimistic about farming is encouraging.

A buoyant rural industry will directly benefit Kent’s exchequer while also increasing jobs. It would be unwise to overlook that our landscape is largely managed by farmers with obvious knock-on benefits for the tourist industry.

When times are tough, thinking regional, county and local surely makes sense.