THE long awaited Agriculture Bill, which aims to deliver a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations, was put before parliament on September 12, 2018.

It offers the farming community some guidance as to what financial support will be available what form this will take.

Brexit could be an opportunity for the UK to shape our own agricultural policy, however it is imperative that the government take a considered approach to get the package right.

Key features of the bill include:

• Direct subsidy payments will be phased out by 2027

• Direct payments will be delinked from the requirement to own land

• From 2021 all direct payments will be reduced. Initial deductions will range from five per cent for claims up to £30,000 to 25 per cent for claims over £150,000

• Environmental payments will be delivered via individual environmental land management contracts

“The starting gun has been fired,” said Ross Murray, Chairman of Knight Frank’s Rural Asset Management team.

“This is the most significant piece of legislation for farming since 1947 and will form a critical piece of the post Brexit landscape after the UK withdraws from the EU and the CAP.”

Hollie says: “Landowners have been given longer to reshape their businesses to cope with the loss of direct payments, but meaningful change takes time and businesses should start planning now. It is significant that payments after 2021 will be delinked from landownership. This offers interesting possibilities for those planning to retire, expand or enter the farming industry. The new environmental schemes are also clearly going to favour those landowners who come up with pro-active environmental plans. Given the pressure on the public finances I believe those who engage the earliest will benefit the most as the funding pot for farming will surely shrink.”

Firmly rooted in rural property transactions, our farms team continues to be entrusted with some of the most important and valuable farmland properties and country estates that come to market.

Whether you own a single field, a commercial or residential farm, our Farms & Estates team works closely with our local offices to ensure that every rural property is promoted locally, nationally and internationally in order to achieve maximum return on investment, under the right terms.

Should you be thinking about selling a farm, our specialists will be happy to conduct a full market appraisal in complete confidence.

Similarly if you require professional services in relation to your farm, do please get in touch.

Hollie Byrne MRICS FAAV, Senior Negotiator, Regional Farm Sales

hollie.byrne@knightfrank.com

01285 882007