Fair value accounting and the local agricultural industry

Abstract

The agricultural industry has several specific characteristics that pose several difficulties for financial reporting. Among these, the measurement of the biological assets which are enduring continuous change, is of utmost importance. This study gives a clear picture of the method most commonly used by the local accountancy profession to measure biological assets in the financial statements. Analysis and explanations are also made of the major implications and effects that the use of fair values for such measurement has on agricultural enterprises, especially on their financial reporting. Such measurement is required by the newly issued accounting standard IAS 41 Agriculture and has to be adhered to by all local agricultural enterprises registered as limited liability companies. All this is carried out through interviews conducted with those responsible for the preparation and presentation of financial statements of local agricultural enterprises. The dissertation is concluded by presenting any recommendations emerging from the study, possible problems and future prospects of a fair value accounting model being implemented for local agricultural enterprises.