Farmers invited to discover funding opportunities at free roadshow events

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) South West team is inviting farmers across the south west to join its free Agricultural Transition Roadshow events this December.

The events, which are open to both members and non-members of the CLA, will be held at four venues next month; Royal Agricultural University (Cirencester), Junction 24 (Sedgemoor Auction Centre, Somerset), Scorrier House (Redruth) and Two Bridges Hotel (Dartmoor National Park). The aims of the event are to allow rural business owners to learn more about the latest policy developments, find out what funding opportunities are available for their business and to help them plan ahead following the Autumn budget announcements.

The new Labour government was elected midway through the agricultural transition in England. The 2024 Basic Payment Scheme receipts will be at least 50% of the pre-cut 2020 rates, and new ELM schemes are up and running. They have said they will continue to roll out and improve the ELM schemes, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) expanded offer.

During the two-hour sessions, attendees will hear from:

• CLA experts who will discuss the latest policy developments under the new Labour Government, including SFI, Countryside Stewardship (CS) and other transition schemes and funding, and what they mean for rural businesses
• Leading chartered accountancy firm Albert Goodman will provide an update on the Autumn Budget and explain the implications and how rural business owners can plan ahead
• Representatives from the Farming Advice Services by Ricardo, Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Forestry Commission and Catchment Sensitive Farming

Ann Maidment, Regional Director for the CLA South West, commented: “It can be a challenge to keep up with the latest schemes, but it is important for farmers and landowners to keep abreast of any updates so that they can decide what will work best for their businesses. Our Agricultural Transition Roadshow events have been designed to provide the latest information on funding for agriculture and environment, including how the budget might impact rural businesses. As well as hearing from a range of experts, attendees will also have the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations and ask specific questions relating to their own business. We welcome everybody to join us so they can make informed business decisions.”

The south west Agricultural Transition Roadshow events will take place at the following venues:

• Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester - Tuesday 3 December (9.30am-12.00pm)
• J24 (Sedgemoor Auction Centre) Somerset - Tuesday 3 December (2.30pm-5.00pm)
• Scorrier House (Redruth), Cornwall – Wednesday 4 December (9.30am-12.00pm)
• Two Bridges Hotel (Dartmoor National Park), Devon – Wednesday 4 December (2.30pm-5.00pm).

These events are free to attend but registration is essential. To register, visit the CLA Events Page.

Members and non-members requiring support with their booking can contact the CLA South West office by telephoning 01249 599059.