Grower says UK farming 'much better off' without subsidies 10 June 2021 | Pip Robson says farmers should view the reduction in subsidies as a 'real opportunity' A Northumberland grower says he wants farming to 'stand on its own two feet' as the industry could be 'much better off' without subsidies. Pip Robson, who runs a mixed farm of 800 hectares, said farmers should view the reduction in direct payments as a 'real opportunity'. The grower made the comments after he joined AHDB's Monitor Farm Network in the North East, where he will share the way he runs his business with other farmers. He explained that it was important for the industry to be self-sufficient and not rely on support payments.