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The Government's Autumn Budget was announced on October 30, 2024 and Íæż½ã½ã, in partnership with CropLife UK, hosted an exclusive webinar on Thursday, October 31, 2024 to discuss the pressing questions and opportunities ahead, and what they could mean for farmers and rural businesses. It was a chance to join industry leaders and fellow farmers in a crucial discussion about the future of the sector.

WATCH THE RECORDED WEBINAR NOW ON YOUTUBE

READ NOW: FG member exclusive Insight Report 'What the latest Budget means for farmers'

Key topics:

• Impact of Budget changes on agricultural subsidies and support schemes: Discussion about any adjustments to subsidies, grants or support schemes for farmers.
• Tax implications and incentives for farmers: Overview of changes to tax policies affecting the agriculture sector, such as capital allowances, inheritance tax relief and VAT adjustments.
• Investment in agricultural technology and sustainable practices: Are there new opportunities for farmers to invest in sustainable practices, including renewable energy, carbon reduction and regenerative agriculture? And what are the impacts on rural infrastructure and supply chains, including broadband expansion or transportation improvements, which could benefit farm businesses?

This dynamic session, led by Íæż½ã½ã's Head of News and Business, Alex Black, proved to be an informative session for farmers and business owners in the agriculture industry. It was an opportunity to ask industry leaders your questions and listen to their insights. 

We were very pleased that Victoria Vyvyan, President of the CLA was able to be part of the panel.

Victoria Vyvyan became President of the CLA in November 2023.

Victoria has been actively involved in the CLA at branch, regional and national level, chairing the Business and Rural Economy Committee and the Environment Committee before becoming an officer.

Trelowarren, Victoria's home in Cornwall, is a diversified rural family business with a strong ecological focus.

The business includes some tenanted and some in-hand agricultural land, a lowland heath restoration project, woodland managed in-hand for quality timber and bio-mass production, a tourism business and various off-site building projects.

We were also joined by:

Harriet Cross, Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan

Harriet Cross is the Conservative MP for Gordon and Buchan, and was first elected in the 2024 General Election. Ahead of the Budget, Ms Cross secured a debate highlighting the vital need to protect family farms through Agricultural Property Relief ( APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR).

David Exwood, NFU deputy president

David is NFU deputy president and represents the NFU on the Farm Tenancy Forum. Mr Exwood has repeatedly called for the agricultural budget underspend to be rolled over and for the Government to deliver a renewed and enhanced multi-annual agriculture budget to improve farmer confidence and deliver on food security and environmental ambitions. David farms south of Horsham in West Sussex with his wife and two sons over 1200 tenanted hectares in the heart of the Sussex Weald.

Dave Bench, CEO of Crop Life UK

As Chief Executive, Dave has overall responsibility for all CropLife UK activities promoting the essential role of science and innovation in protecting food, parks, gardens, roads and railways; and advocating good stewardship, better regulation and best practice.

He began his career in Harpenden, dealing with risk assessment of plant protection products, and spent much of his career spent leading specialist teams and in strategic policy roles in UK Government.  He has been heavily involved in policy development and regulation in a range of areas, including genetic modification in agriculture, animal health, marine, and particularly chemicals & plant protection products. 

Jason Beedell, Rural Research Director at Strutt & Parker

Jason heads rural research at Strutt & Parker, a national firm of rural property advisers, and supports the firm's rural advisory team with information and analysis on farming, land management, planning, environment, energy, forestry and rural capital markets. Jason is a nationally recognised commentator on rural issues, particularly rural property markets and agricultural policy reforms.  He has led multi-disciplinary research teams on a wide range of subjects, including the rural economy and environmental policies.

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