THE decision to abandon farm subsidy for land which is used for both solar power and grazing could have the opposite effect to that intended, according to a Cumbrian rural advisor.

Victoria Lancaster of H&H Land and Property in Carlisle said the announcement - made to reduce the visual impact to the countryside of solar farms - is likely to make farming less profitable where land is often only suitable for low yield grazing.

The Environment Secretary, Elizabeth Truss said she wanted to ensure that agricultural land is dedicated to growing crops and food. She was also responding to voices raised in rural communities who believe their countryside will be blighted by solar farms.

No farm subsidy will be paid on land with Solar Panels after January 2015.

Describing the move as "short-sighted", Ms Lancaster said: “There are significant areas where lower grade agricultural land is only suitable for limited permanent grazing, and the livestock sector, in general is struggling. The returns per acres can be boosted by diversifying into renewable energy and having the same land grazed - so they are effectively in dual use and should be recognised as such.”