Why Yorkshire landowners and farm managers need to move fast

James Lloyd, a partner and agricultural specialist at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, takes a look at the new Agriculture Act and Transition Plan and why farmers should take action to ensure a thriving future.
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Published 18th Dec 2020, 08:44 BST
James Lloyd, a partner and agricultural specialist at Wilkin Chapman SolicitorsJames Lloyd, a partner and agricultural specialist at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors
James Lloyd, a partner and agricultural specialist at Wilkin Chapman Solicitors

In his appraisal of the new Agriculture Act, the Minister for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, talked of the ‘transformational legislation’ that will empower our farmers and land managers.

Landowners, he says, will be rewarded for the good work they do, helping them to stay competitive, increase productivity and invest.

“We will support farmers in reducing their costs and improving their profitability, to help those who want to retire or leave the industry to do so with dignity, and to create new opportunities and support for new entrants coming in to the industry,” he stated.

While the contents of the Act give rise to many issues farmers must address, including food security and tenancy reforms, there is one overriding focus: the replacement of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) with a payment system that centres upon the reward of ‘public money for public goods’.

This new system is being phased in over seven years with the present scheme running until 2027, which the government says will provide stability in the meantime as set out in the Transition Plan. In that time alternative support will be available, such as productivity grants and the continuation of the Countryside Stewardships scheme in the immediate future.

Once in place, ministers say ‘public money for public goods’ will put landowners on a more even playing field. Not simply paying people based upon acreage, the intention is that the new scheme will incentivise sustainable farming practices and help tackle challenges like climate change.

With that in mind, there is little doubt of the need for landowners and farm managers to act now to capitalise come 2027.

In the meantime, there is the possibility of de-linking BPS payments from land and taking lump sums to help take businesses forward.

Now is then the time to take stock, plan and seek expert advice on how to deal with this once-in-a-lifetime change, to ensure farming businesses thrive in the new era ahead.

For advice on any agricultural matters, James Lloyd can be contacted on 01482 398396, email [email protected] or visit wilkinchapman.co.uk.