Industry leaders have criticised plans to compulsorily purchase farmland at its agricultural value rather than recognising its potential for development. The government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill was published last month. The NFU said it supported moves to get rid of the regulatory burden and speed up planning processes and... Read more
• More incidents but fewer fines issed • Criminal gangs leave toxic rubbish tips • More must be done, say landowners Fewer people are being fined for fly-tipping – despite an increase in rubbish being illegally dumped in the countryside. Latest figures show 1.15 million incidents on public land... Read more
• Generates revenue from farm carbon • Uses a simple-to-understand system • Flexible approach has many options Farmers can maximise opportunities from the carbon economy thanks to a new bespoke focus launched by Agrii and carbon farming innovators Agreena. The partnership helps producers understand carbon farming better while building... Read more
• Cash to combat climate change • No need to sell carbon credits • Major ‘step forward’ for farmers An innovative programme enabling food supply chains to reward farmers for reducing greenhouse gas emissions is now open for applications. Farmers participating in the scheme can earn £60 for each... Read more
• Business resilience and preparation • Seize opportunities where possible • Stay abreast of policy moves Getting to grips with government grants could prove to be a lifeline for farm businesses this year, say consultants. The months ahead are set to herald opportunities as well as uncertainties – highlighting... Read more
Hasty decisions around succession planning and diversification should be avoided following last autumn’s budget, say legal experts. Widely criticised for imposing inheritance tax on farming assets worth more than £1 million, the budget saw farm businesses hit by a raft of other measures too – including the faster phase-out... Read more
• Defra due to make announcement soon • Existing agreements continue as usual • Change affects existing applications A long-awaited update on the future of Defra’s capital grant scheme is expected early this year, says the government. It follows widespread anger and frustration after capital grants were quickly closed... Read more
Market faces period of change Changes in government policy are likely to impact the tenanted farm sector, with uncertainty typically leading to shorter-term lets, says a study. The farm let sector remained stable in 2023, despite fears that owners would take land back in-hand for environmental uses, according to... Read more
A new-style of finance has helped secure a Midland farming family’s future. A Northamptonshire farmer says he has future-proofed his business by using green finance to fund a key diversification project. Third-generation farmer Harry Brown manages 600ha (1500 acres) of predominantly arable land at Potcote Farm, near Towcester. The... Read more
The government has missed a key opportunity to boost economic growth for agriculture and UK businesses, says a farming analyst. As the dust settles from the autumn Budget, the consequences for farming and the wider economy are becoming clear, says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association... Read more