Season of change

We are delighted to be back at the Weald of Kent Ploughing Match this autumn, following a much quieter September last year as it was postponed, along with many other events. This year we have also teamed up with our friends at accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves to welcome guests to our marquee.

Events such as this are in important date in the rural calendar and provide an opportunity for farmers, landowners and rural dwellers to meet up and chat about the harvest just past and the farm year that begins ahead. No doubt the lack of a proper summer here in the South East will be one of those topics!

There is much change on the horizon for the rural sector and earlier this year the Government published a consultation which included proposals on a lump sum exit scheme for farmers.

We all know few farmers do actually retire, but the government says there is growing evidence that more would like to, and a lump sum payment could enable them to do this in a more planned and managed way.

The government is also keen to attract new entrants from younger generations into the sector and there could be support for farmers who want to rent out their farms as well as those selling up or surrendering their farm tenancy.

The government has said more details on the response to this consultation will be published later this year, but it seems inevitable that the scheme will go ahead.

Before making any changes to your farm business, or to discuss issues of succession planning, do get in touch find out more about the various options available, to help you make the best-informed decision.

Paul Burbidge can be contacted at p.burbidge@gullands.com