This Week's Top News Bites
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RPA Performance Must Improve Starting with Bridging Payments to Cover all Delays
2018 BPS and Countryside Stewardship Bridging Payments will be made next week. However, many members in Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreements are unfortunately still facing lengthy delays. There has been no commitment from the RPA that we will see any bridging payments for ES scheme holders, who are unlikely to receive payments until July 2019. The TFA continue to scrutinise the RPA's progress in making payments. To read more click here. If you are affected by late payments or have any questions, please contact TFA Policy Adviser, Lynette Steel, at head office on 0118 9306130.
TFA Chief Executive to Address Agricultural Law Association Meeting in Worcester
TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, will be addressing a breakfast meeting organised by the Agricultural Law Association on the topic of Tenancy Reform for the Agricultural Sector. The event is to take place at Hawford Young Farmers Club, Unit 3, Shires Farm, Hawford, Worcester, WR3 7SG. More details can be found by clicking here.
Meetings with Landlords' Representatives
Over the past few days the TFA has met with senior representatives within the National Trust, The Crown Estate and the CLA to discuss matters of concern to the tenanted agriculture sector and all those who do not own the land they farm. Watch out for notes of these meetings on the TFA website over the coming days.
Cross Party Initiative to Ban Sky Lanterns
Ruth George, MP for High Peak, has introduced a Bill to the House of Commons, with cross-Party support, in an attempt to enforce a ban on sky lanterns. The TFA has lent its support to this initiative. Click here for further information.
Transitional Stewardship Agreements
The TFA has been working with DEFRA on Countryside Stewardship (CS) Transitional Agreements. These agreements will potentially be available for farmers to sign up to (subject to Ministerial approval) once we enter the transitional period and prior to the introduction of the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), not expected until 2024. Details on the content of these agreements are still limited. However, we do expect them to be more streamlined than the current CS agreements. Members should be reassured that entering CS during this period will not limit their ability to participate in any new agri-environment schemes introduced under ELMS. We have had assurance from Government that farmers in current agreements will be able to jettison existing agreements for new, potentially more attractive, schemes which are introduced in the future.
Farm Safety Partnership Urges Farmers to Stay Safe Around Livestock
This week, the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) launched the second phase of its farm safety campaign focusing on handling livestock safely.
While most animal incidents are not fatal, many people are needlessly injured due to unwise risk taking. Therefore, why not click here to take a peek at our quick guide to improving safety around livestock.
TFA CEO to Talk at Germinate Lecture 2019
The Germinate Lecture 2019 with George Dunn, TFA Chief Executive, is on Wednesday 15 May, between 10am - 2pm, at King’s Park Conference Centre, Northampton.
The theme for the event is: Salt, Light and Feet of Clay: Celebrating the ministry of lay people.
Tickets are £20. Price includes lunch and refreshments.
For more information click here. To book tickets click here.
Farmers Weekly is on the Hunt for the Very Best Farmers in the Country to Showcase Their Achievements and Innovation.
The Farmers Weekly Awards have become a symbol of the innovation and commitment of British farmers. Now in their 15th year, the Awards have recognised over 450 finalists and winners for their achievements, innovation and hard work.
To make a nomination just complete the online form or, if you would like to enter, simply answer the questionnaire online. The closing date for entries is 30th April.
