This Week's Top News Bites
TFA Evidence on "Net Zero" to EFRA Select Committee
The House of Commons Environment Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee has decided to hold an Inquiry to examine how agriculture can achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, whilst maintaining food production. It will also look at how those affected in farming communities can be supported fairly through the transition. For more information, click here. The TFA was invited to submit written evidence to the Inquiry looking, specifically at the issues for the tenanted sector of agriculture. The TFA’s evidence can be read by clicking here.
Prince's Countryside Fund Farm Resilience Programme - Opportunities for National Trust Farm Tenants
The TFA was instrumental in bringing the National Trust and Prince's Countryside Fund (PCF) together to provide opportunities for National Trust farm tenants to participate in the highly acclaimed and beneficial Farm Resilience Programme, operated by PCF. Four areas have been identified for these special groups – Devon and Somerset, the Peak District, the Lake District and Snowdonia. However, disappointingly recruitment thus far to these groups has been incredibly low in comparison to other groups on offer by PCF. Other than providing funding and delivering a specific National Trust related session towards the end of the programme, the National Trust is taking a completely hands-off approach and will not have access to any information or data generated within the groups. For more information, and to express interest in taking part, click here. Further information is also available from TFA Head Office.
Hill Farmers Show Support for Creating a Brighter Future
The Uplands Alliance has brought together over 100 hill farmers, from nine areas across England, with staff from DEFRA to explore how farmers can create a brighter future for their businesses and the environment. The meetings, funded by Prince’s Countryside Fund and facilitated by the Uplands Alliance, have shared key findings which included:
Long term schemes (<25 years) would allow business planning and delivery of environmental benefits.
Payment rates need to be sufficient to ensure business viability and should pay for the delivery of existing good practice as well as improvements.
There should be a flexible approach to delivery, focusing on outcomes, not prescriptions.
Forms that can be filled in by the farmer will result in a higher commitment to delivering outcomes.
Local advisors are needed to support application and delivery.
Monitoring and verification of outcomes should be built into the scheme.
To read the full report and notes from each regional meeting, click here.
TFA Farm Walk
The next TFA Farm Walk will be held near Devizes on Wednesday 18 September 2019. It will Start at 1:30 pm, with a look around Horton House Farm with host Jonny Rider. Once complete, TFA Adviser, Caroline Foot, will talk through the proposed changes to agricultural tenancy legislation (following the recent consultation) and what those changes may mean to individual farm businesses. For more information about the hosts, TFA talk and how to book, please click here. This event is open to anyone who farms land they do not own and non TFA members are welcome to attend. To enable us to accurately cater, we ask that places are reserved no later than 12 noon Friday 13 September. To book your place, click here or call the TFA on 0118 930 6130.
New Date Announced for TFA Cymru Regional Meeting
TFA Cymru is hosting a seminar and discussion starting at 7:30 pm on 06 November 2019 at the Metropole Hotel, Temple Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5DY.
TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, will provide an update on the implications for tenant farmers arising from the Welsh Government’s new “Sustainable Farming and our Land” consultation document and how new policies need be accessible for tenant farmers.
He will also discuss TFA Top Tips for Promoting Sustainability of Tenanted Farm Businesses Beyond Brexit.
This is a FREE event open to any farmer in Wales who farms land they do not own regardless if you are a TFA Cymru member. A light supper will be provided, so we ask anyone interested in attending to either book your place by clicking here or contact head office on 0118 930 6130.
Women in Dairy Conference
Tickets are still available for the Women in Dairy Conference, which will be held 18 September, at Sixways Stadium, Worcester. The day will start at 9:30 am and finish at 3:30 pm. To read the full programme, view the list of speakers and buy tickets click here.
The winner of the Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award will also be announced at this event – you can read all about the four finalists here.
