DEFRA has confirmed that the Agriculture Bill has been scheduled to complete its remaining stages in the House of Commons next Wednesday, 13th May 2020. It is still anticipated that the Bill should receive Royal Assent this summer.
DEFRA has announced a new hardship fund for English dairy farmers to assist with the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak. Each farmer should be able to access up to £10,000 funding to cover 70% of lost income during April and May. Please see the gov.uk website for a news release. Further details of this new hardship fund will be issued "in due course"....
Marian Spain has been appointed as the permanent chief executive of Natural England, having been serving as interim chief executive since December 2018. Please see the gov.uk website for further details.
This article by Jeremy Moody first appeared in the CAAV e-Briefing of 30th April 2020 We are in unusual times. It is, depending on the measure, 50 or 100 years since there was such a disease threat in the UK while we may now be in the sharpest contraction in the economy since the Great Freeze of 1709. This period has been very disruptive but, as members attest, professional work, from valuations to renewable energy, has continued. While transactions have fallen away, the market reports are of...
The Pick for Britain website https://pickforbritain.org.uk/ offers information and guidance on seasonal jobs in agriculture, with links to jobs, frequently asked questions and Government guidance. Those who have been furloughed by employers may be able to take on seasonal farm work if their contract of employment does not prevent it....
The RPA has confirmed that bridging payments will be issued to Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship agreement holders who have not received a 2019 revenue claim payment. The payments should be 75% of the current estimated claim value and issued this May. Please see the gov.uk website for further details....
Kate Russell of the CAAV explains why good practice is so important in compulsory purchase and other statutory compensation claims and highlights some of the key messages for agents involved in this work. Also available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Catch-up on previous episodes here....
Government has confirmed a one month extension to claim for farm payments in England. The 15th May deadline has been extended to 15th June 2020 for BPS 2020 applications and 2020 revenue claims for Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship. Please see the press release on the gov.uk website for further details....
The Government has confirmed that it will temporarily relax some competition law so that the dairy processing industry can work together to manage supply and demand during the coronavirus pandemic. In recent weeks some dairy farmers have had to throw away fresh milk because their buyers have lost catering and food service contracts. It is hoped that the temporary relaxation will allow more fresh milk to be processed into longer-life products, such as cheese, butter, or skimmed milk powder....
Michelmores Solicitors has published a useful article on options for landowners facing busy rights of way during the coronavirus pandemic. The article can be found on the Michelmores website.
Contract Farming Webinar Thursday, 30th April 2020 10:15 - 11:15am With many farmers and landowners needing to look hard at and review their businesses, joint ventures offer one possible answer. Contract farming agreements have developed as one form of joint venture approach that has suited many. They can be flexible, give access to skills and machinery but need to be done properly. Widely used in combineable cropping, the CAAV has updated its publication “Arable Farming with...
The Government has issued the formal Notice to Proceed for HS2 Phase 1, which enables the detailed design work and then construction to begin for the London to West Midlands section of the railway.
The Scottish Government has called on people to be responsible in their use of rights of access to the countryside during the Covid-19 pandemic, suggesting that people should stay in their local area, maintain social distancing, respect the health and safety of farm workers and keep dogs under control.
Lantra Scotland has set up a Skills Matching Service to help rural and land-based businesses find staff with suitable skills and to help those looking for work to find suitable positions. Visit the Lantra Scotland website for more information.
New Regulations will come into force in England in 2020 which will require all landlords of residential premises to carry out electrical safety inspections every five years. New tenancies will need to comply from 1st July 2020 and existing tenancies from 1st April 2021. Kate Russell of the CAAV reviews the new Regulations and explains what they will mean for landlords and their advisers. Also available on Apple, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Catch-up on previous episodes here....
Wales' Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, has confirmed that the Single Application Form (SAF) deadline is now extended to 15th June 2020, giving an extra month to complete forms. She has also confirmed that the Crop Diversification requirements are being removed for BPS 2020. To alleviate potential cash flow issues, an additional £5.5m has been allocated for the BPS and Glastir 2019 support scheme which has re-opened today for farmers who have not received...
In a joint statement the TFA and CLA, with DEFRA’s support, are appealing to all rural landlords and tenants to work together collaboratively and compassionately during this unprecedented time. The plea is made in respect of all tenancy matters, but particularly rent payments, notices to quit and finalising new tenancy agreements. The full statement is available on the TFA and CLA websites....
The Government has published advice for pet owners and livestock keepers during the coronavirus outbreak: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-people-with-animals
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