agriculture

Green energy powerhouse ambitions showcased at Energy Summit

The huge potential of the South West’s green energy credentials, and its progress in becoming the UK’s green energy powerhouse, have been showcased at a key Energy Summit in the region.

The Great South West Partnership brought together leading figures across industry and Government for the summit, held at the University of Plymouth, on Wednesday 23 November.

The Great South...

East Devon residents call on Devon CPRE to help them fight solar on farmland

Villagers of Marsh Green in East Devon have made an urgent appeal to the Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE to help them fight an alarming planning application for a solar farm that would destroy hundreds of acres of productive land and increase the risk of their homes flooding. The extraordinary proposal also includes cutting off the nearby hamlet of Westcott for five days a week...

'Shock' predicted for South West rural economy from changes to farming payment scheme

New research published today identifies £883 million is predicted to be lost from the rural economy up to 2027 across Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Farmers and other land managers are coming to terms with the move away from Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) support, but the transition is proving difficult, and the replacement Sustainable Farming Initiative...

Pilot scheme launched to help Devon farmers with future opportunities and new technology

A pilot project has been launched to help support the growth of Devon’s agricultural industry. The £500,000 Devon County Council scheme is being supported through the UK Community Renewal Fund which was recently secured by Team Devon.

The DATA (Devon Agri-Tech Accelerator) project is aiming to provide support and research for farmers, growers, landowners, and other agricultural and...

Partial view of the existing Collacott solar array on land adjacent to the proposed new solar farm

CPRE Devon set to object to plans for a ‘monstrous’ solar farm - Devon’s biggest to date - straddling a major tourist route

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE says the proposal to build a massive solar farm between Barnstaple and Bideford in North Devon, on agricultural land adjoining the touristic route to Newquay, is nothing short of ‘monstrous’.

Bristol-based Aura Power has submitted an application to build a solar installation to the west and north-east of Litchardon Cross, sited between...

Rural consultancy appoints new farming consultant

Haines Watts Rural Business LLP, sister firm to Bideford-based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts North Devon LLP announce the appointment of Lucy Thomas as a farming consultant. Rural Business LLP agricultural consultants assist with decision making in response to ever-changing agricultural market conditions and cover all aspects of farm business management with clients across the South West...

Mother and Baby Alpaca Visit Haines Watts North Devon Marquee at the Holsworthy and Stratton Show

As sponsors of the main ring at this year’s Holsworthy & Stratton Agriculture Show, Haines Watts North Devon LLP hosted a hospitality marquee. The Bideford-based firm of award-winning chartered accountants named ‘Accountancy Firm of the year – Larger Clients 2015’ has over 350 farming clients. All the partners together with the team welcomed guests with wine and light refreshments. Show...

Haines Watts Rural Business Summer Bulletin

Are you eligible for Basic Payment Scheme? On the 1st January 2015, Single Farm Payment will be replaced by the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). Under BPS you will have to be eligible to claim, and greening requirements will make up 30% of your BPS payment.

To be eligible for BPS you will need to: 1. be an active farmer 2. have at least 5 hectares of eligible BPS land 3. have at least 5 BPS...