News

The Government has published guidance on access to green spaces, encouraging people to use green spaces near their home for exercise and not to travel to get to them.

The Government has published advice on moving house during the lockdown for the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, has written an open letter to the food industry thanking all those involved for their efforts so far in supporting the nation during the coronavirus outbreak.

On 26th March Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that self-employed workers will be able to apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the last three years, up to a maximum of £2,500 a month. The money will be paid in a single lump sum, but will not begin to arrive until the start of June at the earliest.

Podcast No. 6 - EPCs and MEES for domestic property: what you need to know Energy efficiency in buildings is a key area for Government to tackle if it is to meet the deadline for net zero carbon by 2050. Kate Russell of the CAAV explains how the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are being implemented for let residential property in England and Wales at the moment and looks ahead to where standards will go in future. ​​ Also available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Catch-up...

The Chancellor has announced today (20th March) that the Government will step in and pay up to 80% of wages for employees not working due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Many professional firms are publishing useful guidance on their websites for businesses during the Covid-19 outbreak. As examples of what is available, Michelmores solicitors has published guidance for employers and Roythornes solicitors has published information on employment issues for farm businesses....

DEFRA has confirmed that the crop diversification rules under "greening" will not apply for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2020 applications. This is to assist farmers in England who have been unable to establish crops because of the prolonged wet weather and flooding. In addition, the Farming Recovery Fund is being further extended with £6 million funding to assist farmers affected by flooding during February 2020. This support is being made available to eligible farmers in parts of East and...

The Prime Minister has said that he will introduce legislation to prevent tenants in the private rented sector from being evicted if they are unable to pay rent due to lost earnings because of the coronavirus outbreak. Further details are awaited.

DEFRA has published its response to the consultation on agricultural tenancy reform in England. A response from the Welsh Government is also expected.

The government has annouced the introduction of the Coronavirus Emergency Measures Bill to enable action in five key areas:- 1. increasing the available health and social care workforce 2. easing the burden of frontline staff 3. containing and slowing the virus 4. managing the deceased with respect and dignity 5. supporting people The legislation is to be time-limited for two years. Further details on the powers to be introduced can be found on the GOV.UK website. The Bill is due to be...

The two month window for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2020 applications and annual revenue claims for existing Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements has opened. BPS applications and CS/ ES claims must be submitted by 15th May 2020 to avoid late claim penalties. Further information is available on the GOV.UK website....

Following yesterday’s budget announcement, we have recorded a new podcast episode. This is the first budget of Boris Johnson’s majority government and the newly appointed Chancellor, Rishi Sunak. Packed with announcements and substantial spending commitments, what does it all mean for rural business owners? Tune in to hear Jeremy Moody’s expert analysis of the policy changes and new fiscal measures. Also available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Catch-up on previous episodes...

The Scottish Government has made initial CAP convergence payments worth £86.2 million to over 17,400 farmers and crofters. This represents the first tranche of a £160 million convergence funding package. A further payment should be made in the "coming weeks". More information can be found in the Scottish Government's News Release.

The RPA has issued an update on payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship. The headline figures given in the update are:- BPS 2020 payments have been made to almost 99% of eligible claimants (total value of £1.76 billion); Environmental Stewardship (ES) - 77% of agreement holders should have received a full payment for ES 2019 annual revenue claims (total value of £133 million); and Countryside Stewardship (CS) - 37% of agreement...

The Environment Bill has been brought forward today for its Second Reading in the House of Commons, giving MPs the first opportunity to debate the new Bill. The Bill forms a key element of the government's commitment to an ambitious environmental programme and is one of the main vehicles for delivering the 25 Year Environment Plan. Further details can be found on the GOV.UK website....

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, delivered his speech earlier this morning at the NFU Conference. The speech was originally scheduled for the first day of the Conference (yesterday) to coincide with the publication of the Agriculture Bill Policy Statement and the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) consultation, but had to be delayed due to a meeting of the Cabinet to discuss the latest flooding issues. The transcript of the speech can be viewed on the GOV.UK website....

Welsh Government's First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has confirmed that up to £10 million of funding is being made available under an emergency flood relief scheme. Further details are available on the Welsh Government website.

The Agricultural Productivity Working Group have published their report to The Food and Drink Sector Council. Download the Executive Summary. Download the full report.

Andrew Stephenson, MP for Pendle, has been appointed Minister for HS2. He was previously a Minister in the Foreign Office and a Government Whip.

Environment Secretary, George Eustice, has confirmed that the Seasonal Workers Pilot is to be extended in 2020 to support the horticultural sector. Up to 10,000 temporary workers may be employed for up to six months, compared with the previous 2,500 workers. Further information is available on the GOV.UK website....

Following the recent storms and flooding, the government has announced funding and support for those affected, including:- A Community Recovery Grant - £500 financial hardship payments to cover short-term need; 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months; A Business Recovery Grant - up to £2,500 Business Recovery Grant for small and medium sized businesses with uninsurable losses; and A Property Resilience Scheme - up to £5,000 funding for homes and businesses...

George Eustice MP has been confirmed as the new DEFRA Secretary of State. Formerly the farming Minister, his promotion comes following the departure of Theresa Villiers earlier today as part of the Cabinet reshuffle.

As part of today's Cabinet reshuffle, it seems that Theresa Villiers has lost her role as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. We await further news on who will replace her.

The Government has pledged £500 million of funding for communities to develop proposals to re-open local railway lines, including those closed in the Beeching cuts. Further information is available on the GOV.uk website.

The government has confirmed plans to introduce import controls on EU goods at the border once the transition period ends on 31st December 2020. Further details can be viewed on the GOV.UK website.

It is being widely reported in the media that the Prime Minister is expected to make an announcement later today on the future of the HS2 project, confirming that it will go ahead. Further briefing will follow in due course.

The Countryside Stewardship application window has opened today for agreements with a 1st January 2021 start date. Applications can be submitted for the Mid Tier, Higher Tier and the four Wildlife Offers. Further information and guidance can be found on the GOV.UK website....

Harper Adams University's Rural Research Conference takes place on Thursday 23rd April 2020. Details of the programme and how to book are available at https://www.harper-adams.ac.uk/events/301/harper-adams-rural-research-conference

The National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales (NFU) is looking to renew its approved list of professionals providing land and tenancy and/or planning advice and services to NFU Farmer and Grower members. Successful firms will be will promoted as NFU Rural Surveyor and Planning Firms on the NFU’s website and in national and regional NFU publications. Firms will also be able to display their status with an NFU Rural Surveyor Firm or NFU Planning Firm logo and may be invited to participate...

The Scottish Government has confirmed that Basic Payment Scheme 2019 payments (including Greening and Young Farmer payments) have started to be issued. This follows the National Basic Payment Support Scheme 2019 loan payments (up to 95% of estimated payment value) which were issued in October 2019. Please see the Scottish Government website for further details....

With over £50 million of government funding available, rural businesses are being encouraged to apply to the Growth Programme by 16th February 2020 deadline. Grants of £20,000 up to £750,000 are available to "boost productivity, create local jobs and increase tourism." Further details are available on the GOV.UK website.

The Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots MLA has confirmed that farmers will share £293 million in Direct Payments for 2020, with the Department aiming to make full payments from 16th October 2020. The Minister announced that the 2020 scheme will operate in a similar fashion to that in 2019, apart from a small number of changes as a result of the exit from the EU. The full article can be found on the DAERA website...

Anyone exporting plants or plant products can now apply online for their statutory phytosanitary certificate. This can be found on the DAERA website

The Agriculture Bill was brought forward for Second Reading in the House of Commons yesterday (3rd February 2020). This was the first opportunity for the Bill to be debated by MPs. The Bill will now go to Committee Stage, Report Stage and Third Reading, before transferring to the House of Lords. Please see the GOV.UK website for a news release and the progress of the Bill can be viewed on the UK Parliament website....

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a Written Statement to Parliament setting out the Government's proposed approach to the negotiations with the EU about the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The statement can be viewed on the GOV.UK website.

The government has announced the preferred route for the East West Rail central section following consultation last year. This can be found on the GOV.UK website

Sir William Worsley has been confirmed as the new Chair of the Forestry Commission and will take up his role on 10th February 2020. Further details can be found in the news release on the GOV.UK website.

The CAAV has launched a new podcast. In the first episode, the Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV, Jeremy Moody, gives his analysis of the future challenges that farming businesses will face, how they should act now and prepare for change with the role of the Valuer as a trusted adviser helping clients through this. He also discusses some highlights of the CAAV’s most recent publication called ‘Reviewing a Business: An Introduction for Agricultural Valuers’. You can listen to the podcast...

The Environment Bill is to be introduced into Parliament later today (30th January 2020). This "ground-breaking Bill will enshrine environmental principles in law and introduce measures to improve air and water quality, tackle plastic pollution and restore habitats so plants and wildlife can thrive." Please see the press release for further details....

DEFRA has launched a new online resource "to help ensure better environmental decision-making by valuing our 'natural capital'". The 'Enabling a Natural Capital Approach' (ENCA) resource is available on the GOV.UK website and brings together guidance, data, analytical tools and case studies to "help policy makers, businesses, landowners and public sector organisations make better planning decisions in order to protect and boost natural capital."...

The Environment Agency, Forestry Commission and Natural England have outlined a shared "vision" and practical actions to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies, in response to the Committee on Climate Change's "Land Use: Policies for a Net Zero UK" report published today....

Landowners are being warned of the hidden risks and responsibilities associated with having telecommunications masts on their land. The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is urging landowners to request information on radiation exclusion zones from operators of telecoms masts located on their land. Though non-ionising, significant levels of exposure to the radio waves emitted by base stations on telecoms masts can affect health, requiring exclusion zones to protect people, says...

Village halls in England have received £1.2 million funding to assist with improvements such as roof repairs, refurbishing kitchens and creating new meeting rooms. This funding has been provided as part of the Government's Village Halls Improvement Grant Scheme which has a total fund of £3 million available. Applications can still be made for grants of up to £75,000 (20% of the total eligible costs of a project). Further information on applying can be found on the Action with Communities...

The return of the Agriculture Bill is a welcome announcement for farmers and the entire industry; giving shape to developing post-Brexit policy in England. “This is a monumental moment for agriculture,” says Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). “This passing of the Agriculture Bill will be our generation’s 1947 moment; where we have a life changing opportunity to review the national expectations of agriculture and set out the...

The Agriculture Bill is to be introduced into Parliament later today. A news release is available on the GOV.UK website. It will give the legislative framework for aspects including:- Phasing out direct payments over the seven year "agricultural transition" period which will start from next year (2021) and see direct payments reduced to nil by 2028; "Later in the agricultural transition", "de-link" direct payments, removing the need to "farm the land" to receive payment; and Paying farmers...