The Government has now started its consultation on the retirement scheme and the de-linking scheme for farmers, both owner occupiers and tenants,  announced in the Agriculture Act 2020. The Tenant Farmers Association reported from their survey earlier in the spring that three quarters of tenant farmers will consider retiring.  Whatever scheme rules put in place for retirement, it is unlikely that the payments will be life changing however the scheme will be a great help to the industry as it will provide families with an excuse to openly discuss the issue of retirement.

For landowners, surplus buildings often result from retirement and there are now great options available for converting farm buildings including for some housing. A JHWalter farm appraisal will help you to better understand your assets and discover some unexpected options.

In this changing world of farming, there are new schemes which will raise practical issues for landlords and tenants. The ‘Retirement Scheme’, has been talked about for many years since Agenda 2000. The consultation process does not give us the scheme detail and that is what we will need to see to fully understand the implications for landlords and tenants. The recent Tenant Farmer’s Association survey of 360 tenant farmers indicated that 75% will consider retiring from their tenancies on introduction of the scheme. But what will be the scheme’s rules and eligibility criteria - can everyone apply? How is eligibility assessed? Is there a ‘reference’ year’? Do you have to completely give up farming? And of course, how much is it worth?

Have you wondered about the development potential for your farm, agricultural buildings or land? But unsure how to get started? Then a JHWalter Planning Appraisal could be ideal for you.

 

The Planning Consultants at JHWalter have completed numerous planning appraisals to provide initial advice for clients and taken many forward to successfully obtain planning permissions for development.