The move away from Basic Payments over the next 7 years marks the biggest change to agricultural funding in more than a generation and will likely be a concern for many farmers. Instead, the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme which replaces it, will encourage farmers to focus on sustainable farming practices, encourage biodiversity and create new habitats for wildlife.

To help with this major transition, Defra has funded the £9 million Future Farming Resilience Fund, allowing 19 organisations, including Devon County Council to assist up to 9,000 farmers and land managers.

Somerset County Gazette:

Throughout Devon and Somerset this support is being offered for free by Business Information Point through a range of local workshops conducted by their team of experienced agricultural consultants. The aim of the support is to help farmers and land managers understand the impact of reductions to direct payments on their businesses and explore ways to mitigate these reductions as the payments wind down.

After attending an initial information workshop there is the option to access additional, free, tailored, one-to-one support where their consultants can discuss the impact of the changes and carry out a detailed, independent investigation of all farming and business activities to develop an action plan for the future.

In addition to the transition workshops and one to one support, BIP will be delivering a range of specialist, small group workshops with a focus on particular topics such as:

  • Exiting the industry
  • Family succession planning
  • Business diversification
  • Adding value to food and drink
  • Productivity
  • Environmental schemes
  • Business planning and cashflowSomerset County Gazette:

The support is open to any farmers or land managers currently in receipt of BPS payments and will run until the end of February 2022.

Business Information Point has been supporting farmers for over 25 years and have built up a wealth of experience and expertise across all farm business types. Through this free support, they can tailor the advice to your specific needs and prepare you for the changes ahead.

For full details of the support and to register on a free workshop please visit the Business Information Point website at businessinfopoint.co.uk/ffr.