TFA Chief Exec George Dunn

Hammond Gives Go-Ahead for Office of Tax Simplification to Review Inheritance Tax

We have previously reported on the discussions between the TFA and the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) on the TFA’s proposals for amendments to the operation of Inheritance Tax Agricultural Property Relief (APR) to encourage longer term Farm Business Tenancies. Following those discussions, the OTS signalled its desire to look at the operation of Inheritance Tax in a proposal to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP. Having considered the proposal, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has now written formally to the OTS asking it to undertake a review of Inheritance Tax. A copy of the instruction to OTS can be viewed by clicking here. The TFA has welcomed the review and will be working with the OTS to ensure that full consideration of our proposals for reform to APR are taken on board in the review.

DEFRA launches £60m Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme in England

Speaking at this week's Dairy-Tech event, DEFRA Minister, George Eustice announced the opening of a new application window for the Countryside Productivity Scheme which provides an opportunity for farmers in England to apply for grants of between £3,000 and £12,000 for projects which improve productivity in the farming and forestry sectors, and help create jobs and growth in the rural economy. There is an online application process administered by the RPA and the window will close at noon on 14 March. Grants are available in the following areas:

• Water resource management and reservoirs
• Improving forestry productivity
• Adding value to Agri-food
• Improving farm productivity

More information about the scheme and how to apply can be found by clicking here.

£40m Farm Business Grant Scheme launches in Wales

Welsh farmers can apply for funding for small grants through the Farm Business Grant (FBG) which is currently open for expressions of interest until 16 March. The aim of the scheme is to assist farmers in Wales to improve the economic and environmental performance of their agricultural holdings. The grant provides a financial contribution towards capital investments in equipment and machinery that have been pre-identified as offering clear and quantifiable benefits to farm enterprises. Funding is available in the following areas:

• Animal Health, Performance and Genetics
• Crop Management
• Resource Efficiency
• Energy Efficiency
• ICT

More information about the scheme and how to apply can be found by clicking here.

TFA Briefs Lib Dems on Post Brexit Policy for Agriculture

TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn this week met with Tim Farron MP, the Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to brief him on the TFA’s proposals for post Brexit agricultural policy. A keen supporter of upland farmers, Farron was particularly taken by the recent RSPB report showing that simply removing the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) would make farming in the uplands financially unsustainable. Click here to read the report. Points raised at the meeting included the need for an extension to the remit of the Groceries Code Adjudicator, continued funding for farm business development, resilience and productivity growth, reform of agricultural tenancies and changes to the taxation system surrounding farm tenancies.

Are you getting the most out of your farm tenancy?

TFA Northern area are hosting two discussion groups (13 February at Scotch Corner, Nr Darlington and 20 March in Malton, N Yorkshire) where guest speakers will discuss areas including rent, succession and business progression. Both events are FREE and start 7.30pm. For more details including how to reserve your seat at the first event at Scotch Corner, please click here or email events@tfa.org.uk

Our Spring Regional Roadshow at Reigate Hill Golf Club

TFA Regional Roadshow Continues

The TFA Regional Roadshow stopped off this week in the South East of England, with a well attended meeting at Reigate Hill Golf Club.

Attended by both members and non-members, they enjoyed updates from TFA Chief Executive George Dunn on Post Brexit policy issues faced by tenant farm businesses, as well as views from guest speakers from AHDB and the Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE).

The next stop for our roadshow is Cambridge on Thursday 22 February at Quy Mill Hotel, Cambridge starting 7:30pm. For more information, click here, or if you are interested in attending please contact Julia Meadows at the TFA’s Head Office on 0118 930 6130 or email events@tfa.org.uk to book your place.

Further regional meetings include:
South West on the 28 February in Lifton
Wessex on the 1 March in North Petherton
West Midlands on the 23 May in Uffington

TFA Updates

Weekly Uploaded Documents

The following articles and documents have been uploaded to the TFA’s website since the publication of the last TFA e-newsletter.

Media Releases

TFA Media Release MR18/05 - TAX CHANGES MUST FORM PART OF FARM TENANCY REFORMS

Tenancy Opportunities

Please note: Members will need to log into their TFA account before they can access details.

2 x Starter Holdings to Let by Peterborough City Council

121 Acres of Grassland to Let, part of the Ogston Estate, at Higham, Ogston & Woolley near Alfreton

Shaw Wood Farm, Sandon, Staffordshire to Let

TFA Members Benefits

Did you know, you can save when you switch to Direct Debit?

When you next renew your membership with the TFA, switch to paying by Direct Debit and you will benefit from a 5% discount on your next renewal.

Its quick and easy to set up and it’s one less thing on your ‘to do’ list! For more details email membership@tfa.org.uk

And Finally

The Campaign for the Farmed Environment (CFE) is running lots of free spring events throughout February and March nationwide. Some of these events will focus on effective nutrient management and others will take a look at the many positive ways that biodiversity can be integrated into a productive farm business. Full details, including dates and locations, can be found by clicking here.

TFA e-newsletter 9 February 2018