This Week's Top News Bites
DEFRA Looking for Tenant Farmer Representation on Lowland Peat Groups
The Government's 25-year Environment Plan identified the need for a strategy for the restoration of peatland areas in England. It is expected that the England Peat Strategy will be published in the New Year. DEFRA is also establishing a lowland agricultural peat task force, supported by regional subgroups, for which it is currently looking for TFA representation. The regional subgroups cover four areas – East Anglia, Somerset, north-east England and north-west England. The aim is to work collaboratively to develop recommendations for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture on lowland peatlands in England, both to preserve carbon and ensure the long-term continuation of profitable agricultural activity. If you are interested in these issues, and would like to make a contribution to one of the subgroups from a tenant farmer's perspective, please send your details to TFA Adviser, Caroline Foot, by emailing advice1@tfa.org.uk. For more information about the programme of work, click here.
TFA Presses RPA on Its Poor Agri-Environment Scheme Delivery and Woeful Communications
TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, had a one-to-one conversation with RPA Chief Executive, Paul Caldwell, in advance of the RPA's announcement of its payment performance following the opening of the BPS window on 01 December. Whilst congratulating the RPA on making over 92% of BPS payments in the first two weeks of the window, George pressed Paul on how the RPA plans to improve its continuing poor performance on Countryside Stewardship and on its major failings in communicating with those who have issues and queries which appear impossible to resolve. Paul gave George an assurance that he was addressing both issues and agreed to follow up matters with the TFA in the New Year. To read a copy of the RPA media release, click here.
New Report on County Farms Supports TFA Lobbying
The countryside charity, CPRE, has issued a report on County Farms which echoes many of the concerns expressed by the TFA over many years. Sadly, the TFA's “2020 Vision ” written 10 years ago, highlights many of the issues identified in this new report, specifically pages 11 and 12, which shows just how little has been done to protect these important assets. Click here to read this TFA report. The CPRE report, which can be read by clicking here, calls for a greater degree of scrutiny of management plans by local authorities, particularly in respect of disposals; Central Government investment to incentivise local authorities to enhance their county farm estates; greater interaction with tenants to assist with participation in agri-environment schemes and local food networks. The TFA has issued a statement supporting the main conclusions of the report, which can be read by clicking here. The focus is particularly around ensuring that greater accountability exists to prevent local authorities from disposing of their estates without proper justification.
New Septic Tank Rules in Force 01 January 2020
As reported previously, we want to remind members again that, from 01 January 2020, there are new rules which will apply to all septic tanks discharging to watercourses. Any such system will need to be replaced with a small treatment plant or altered so that it discharges to ground instead. Alternatively, where possible, the property can be connected to a mains sewer, and in some exceptional cases, it may be possible to get a permit to continue using the existing system. Whether it is the landlord or the tenant who is liable for this will depend on the terms of individual tenancy agreements. If you are unsure how the new rules will affect you, or need some help in determining who will be responsible for any required works, please contact TFA Head Office to speak to an adviser. Further information can be found by clicking here. These rules began in 2015, applying when properties were sold or if the Environment Agency identified a pollution problem, but they will apply universally as of 01 January 2020. TFA members can also click here to read our TFA Briefing Note on this subject. If you need more assistance, please contact TFA Adviser, Caroline Foot, by calling head office on 0118 9306130.
More Farmers Needed for FarmerTime
FarmerTime is the new name of the popular initiative called FaceTime a Farmer. Due to the success of the current participants, the word is spreading amongst the education community. As a result, they now have schools waiting to be paired with a farmer but have a shortage of farmers.
In the words of one of our members who is already involved, Will Evans, of "Rock and Roll Farming" Podcast fame - "If you’ve ever complained about children not knowing where food comes from, now’s your time to shine." If you are interested or know someone who is, we encourage you to get involved by clicking here.
TFA Roadshow Coming to a Venue Near You This January and February
The TFA is embarking on a spring roadshow, visiting 8 venues across England this January and February.
The theme of the roadshow is Taking Control of Our Farming Futures ‘Leading from the Front’
With speakers including TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn, the first seminar will be on 14 January in Grantham.
Open to any farmer who farms land they don't own, not just TFA members. This year’s TFA roadshow will provide an opportunity to highlight many of the key issues facing our industry, including new entrants, opportunities for progression, security of tenure, the apparent rise of veganism, carbon management, animal welfare and the wider health agenda.
For more information, and details on how to book your place, click on the date and locations below.
14 January - Spring Roadshow - Grantham
15 January - Spring Roadshow - Stow-cum-Quy, Cambridgeshire
16 January - Spring Roadshow - Reigate
04 February - Spring Roadshow - Hexham
05 February - Spring Roadshow - Crooklands
06 February - Spring Roadshow - Penkridge
17 February - Spring Roadshow - Launceston
18 February - Spring Roadshow - Shepton Mallett
Members in Wales will have a meeting later in the year.
