Nick Mullins MRICS FAAV’s Post

❗THE SUSPENSION OF CAPITAL GRANTS SPARKS FRESH ALARM FOR FARMERS ❗ Our team have been made aware that the Rural Payments Agency (RPA is currently not issuing any capital grants, the suspension is reportedly due to an increase in application numbers and growing budget pressures. However, they have provided no communication or guidance to advisors, applicants or farmers. The suspension affects a wide range of on-farm investments that grants have previously supported, including silage clamps, slurry stores, dry stone walls, fencing, and new hedges. These grants have been integral to helping farmers meet environmental standards and daily working practices. In addition to this, the Government has failed to meet it's commitment to release information on Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements. Farmers were promised that by late summer they would be able to start preparing applications but it now appears that this information will not be available until next year, leaving many farmers unable to apply for grants. The persistent delays are causing major uncertainty for farmers, leaving many without the vital financial support needed to invest in the long-term sustainability of their farming businesses. Without clear communication from the RPA and government, the agricultural community is growing increasingly alarmed about the future of these grants and it raises serious doubts about the security of the agricultural budget. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/eyB25Bsn

The suspension of capital grants by the Rural Payments Agency is deeply concerning—particularly the lack of communication or notice to farmers. These grants are essential for on-farm improvements like fencing, hedgerow planting, and slurry stores, which not only protect the environment but also support the long-term sustainability of farming businesses. Without clarity or timelines, farmers are left facing uncertainty in an already challenging landscape. #Farming #RuralGrants #Sustainability #FoodProduction

In our latest blog, Danielle Waller explores the Rock Review which was undertaken to investigate how tenant farmers could be better supported to ensure a resilient agricultural tenanted sector for the future. Within it, the review’s recommendations pinpointed areas of concern that the Government should address to ensure tenant farmers were not disadvantaged long-term - https://lnkd.in/eGrdA8pF

Agriculture is one of man’s oldest industries and has evolved in countless ways since its inception. One thing that hasn’t changed is that profit can be hard to earn, with many farmers relying on BPS payments to see them through. How can SME farmers grow their businesses? Find out below👇 https://lnkd.in/ehrzyCwh #BusinessTurnaround #GrowthStrategy

Apart from UKREiiF, which starts today, new permitted development rights (PD) are coming into force today too. Under the new PD rights agricultural buildings can be used for commercial and residential uses without the need of planning permission (granted by the local authority). These permitted rights are subject to conditions, including prior approval by the local authority. #pemitteddevelopment #agriculture #planning

Discover the benefits of farmer cooperatives, their role in agricultural development, and successful examples from around the world. Learn how collective action can improve market access, productivity, and resilience for smallholder farmers.

ACRES not delivering for farmers. I have expressed concern the ACRES scheme as designed is not delivering the expected support for farmers. I am being contacted by farmers whose applications are now being checked by the Department of Agriculture scientists and the marking is coming in very low resulting in very poor outcome. The value of grants being approved is very low and is nowhere near the average grant of €5,000.00 which was indicated by the Department when the scheme was launched. This is very worrying for farmers who are relying on this scheme as part of their yearly cash flow. It is also a concern that the scoring by Department officials is not transparent and there is no visibility on the marking system. At a time of severe increases in input costs and finance stress, the last thing for farmers is to be left with little or no income from ACRES. The Department need to ensure the scheme is open and transparent to ensure a fair return for the farmer. A review and immediate action is required to ensure the scheme is flexible and delivers for farming. https://lnkd.in/e874bR78

We are thankful for our Canadian farmers. Growing up we referred to the Great Canadian Farm serving as the "breadbasket of the world". Farming is a business and all business eventually deals with transition. Transition was a lot easier when values were modest. But as values have dramatically increased farm transitions have become more complicated. This article may be helpful in better understanding some of the issues.

When it comes to offering great finance solutions for #farmers we are extremely focused on delivering the absolute right solution for our clients. Understanding our clients environment is so important to us. Why not arrange a chat with us to find out more. We’re helping farmers and rural enterprise owners to successfully raise farm finance and farm diversification finance https://lnkd.in/edFkHxzp #diversification #ruralenterprise #agriculture

🌱 Embracing Change: What APR and BPR Updates Mean for the Future of Farming   Following the Budget announcements this afternoon, there are significant changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). We know that many of you may have questions or concerns.    While we recognise that any shift in legislation brings initial challenges, these changes can be stimulus for conversation, encouraging new opportunities which bring the next generation into the fold of the farming industry.   Rest assured, we're reflecting on what these changes mean for farming families and businesses and we will continue to update you with further insight and clarity as the detail becomes clearer.    For now, know that we’re here to support you. Let’s embrace the future with confidence and look to a new chapter in farming.   #FarmingCommunity #APR #BPR #GrowthAndOpportunity #SupportAgriculture #Budget2024