H&H Land and Property has pulled together a team of experts to discuss how to ‘future proof’ a farm, from reviewing which renewable options are right for different kinds of enterprise, through to the tax and legal obligations, and what effects today’s choices will have on the next generation. The seminar will also examine new opportunities presented by the relaxing of the planning regime for agricultural buildings.

The “Future Proofing for Farmers” event on July 3 at Borderway Mart in Carlisle will be led by H&H Land and Property’s Head of Renewables, Victoria Lancaster. She will be joined by specialists from Barclays, accountants Armstrong Watson and Burnetts solicitors for a root and branch examination of the implications associated with alternative energy generation. 

Victoria said: “We’ve organised this event to explore the various options open to farmers when they are considering renewable energy, whether that is solar, wind, biomass or anaerobic digestion.

“We’ve found that many farmers would benefit from examining the repercussions of their choices further down the line. Today’s renewable project is likely to be part of your farming business for the next 20 or 30 years. That’s why we are focusing on future proofing your farm, to make sure the option your choice isn’t just right for you now, but is something that will be suitable and add value to your business in the years to come.”

An important part of future proofing the farm is understanding what the legal, financial and tax implications of your choices will be for the next generation. Modern succession planning needs to take any energy generation equipment into account, whether you install your own systems to generate your own power, export electricity to the National Grid, or earn an income from companies siting their equipment on your land. 

Keith Johnson, Carlisle-based accountants Armstrong Watson’s Tax Director, will be speaking at the seminar about how renewable systems will affect a farm’s tax liabilities.

He said: “Renewable options, whether you are looking at large scale projects such as turbines, or commercial  biomass boilers or solar panels, will all have an impact on your tax, and you need to be aware of the implications before you sign up.

“I will also be looking at the inheritance tax and capital gains tax issues that people need to be aware of, whether they have installed a renewable energy system or are considering doing so.”

Richard Miller, Head of Agribusiness at solicitors Burnetts in Carlisle, will focus on some of the important legal factors farmers should take into account if they sign up with power generation firms or opt to invest in their own systems.

He said: “As agricultural and renewables legal specialists we are aware that there are serious issues and considerations that need to be addressed. If arrangements are entered into without legal advice or support, there could be serious implications.

“Often there may be some form of hidden exclusivity that could prevent any further development on the holding or neighbouring holdings, so it’s important you understand the small print.”

The event will also hear from an agricultural finance specialist from Barclays Bank, who will discuss the kind of finance available for on-farm renewable energy projects, while H&H Land and Property’s Head of Planning, Tom Woof, will discuss planning factors as well as examining the opportunities offered by the government’s recent changes to the planning system for agricultural holdings.  Future Proofing for Farmers is a free event, starting at 6.30pm for 7pm on Thursday July 3. A pie and pea supper will be provided after the seminar.