This Week's Top News Bites

_____________________________________________

DEFRA Survey of Farm Rents 2015/16

DEFRA has issued a statistical notice on rent reviews between 2015 and 2016. It shows that rents are broadly static, that land on 1986 Act tenancies continues to decline whilst the area on FBT tenancies increases. It also shows that average FBT rent levels are far short of some of the headline figures often used in FBT rent reviews. Click here for more details.

BPS Hedge Update

Since our last e-bites, new guidance has now been published by the RPA, as land managers continue to struggle with the incorrect hedges maps. We advise that should you need to make amendments to hedges, only do so when you require them to meet your EFA requirements or 2018 Countryside Stewardship application.

To read the latest guidance published by the RPA detailing how to make amendments either online or via paper applications click here. To read the latest guidance on how to complete RLE1 forms please click here.

For those who are looking for more assistance, the RPA will have representatives present at Salisbury and Frome Markets to help people with their applications for the Basic Payment Scheme in 2018. Details are: Salisbury Market, SP2 8RH, on Tuesday 17th April from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm and Frome Market, BA11 2QB, on Wednesday 18th April from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm.

Farmers rules for water - are you compliant?

Reduction and Prevention of Agricultural Diffuse Pollution (England) Regulation 2018 (also known as "Farmers rules for water") was introduced 2nd April 2018.

There are 8 rules to help with efficient use of fertiliser. Avoid water pollution through runoff and soil erosion. The Environment Agency will be responsible for compliance, and will use an advice led approach to help farmers comply. Existing good practice will probable mean you comply with “farmers rules for water” For more information, click here.

GCA wants to hear from you!

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) is keen to hear about your experience of how retailers are complying with the Groceries Supply Code of Practice (the Code). The GCA wants to collect the most comprehensive set of views on the current Code-related issues facing suppliers. To complete the survey (which shouldn't take more than 10 minutes), click here. You have until Sunday 22nd April to submit your thoughts.

If you want to find out more about the Groceries Code Adjudicator, please click here. The results of the survey will be launched at the GCA annual conference on 25th June in Westminster, London.

TFA welcomes new starter Lynette Steel

The TFA would like to welcome Lynette Steel as she joins their Head Office team, based in Theale, Berkshire. Lynette, who farms with her husband on a tenanted holding in Hampshire, will fill the new role of Farm Policy Adviser, where she will be dealing day-to-day with members’ queries on the Basic Payment Scheme, Environmental Stewardship and other agricultural schemes, grants and working on post Brexit agricultural policy issues in England and Wales. Previously Lynette has worked for Holstein UK and more recently with an agricultural merchant.

On joining Lynette commented “I’m delighted to join the TFA; it has a fantastic reputation and as a tenant farmer I have first-hand experience of what benefits being a member brings. I’m eager to get stuck into the job and look forward to assisting fellow members with their queries.”