CLA Rural Business Uncovered

This episode covers the issue of nutrient neutrality, which affects protected nature conservation sites that are at risk of pollution by nitrates or phosphates. Where Natural England or Natural Resources Wales identify a protected waterbody as being at risk from nutrient pollution, they will require any development which creates overnight accommodation in the same catchment to demonstrate nutrient neutrality, either by installing on-site mitigation measures or by off-setting through nutrient credits. What will you hear?Fenella Collins, CLA Head of Planning, explains the types of developments that are affected by nutrient neutrality regulations, why this issue has now come to the fore, and practical steps to take when considering a development in an affected catchment. Kate Russell, Chief Operating Officer at Tellus Natural Capital, talks us through the areas with most protected catchments, the difference between managing nitrates and phosphates, and the opportunity for landowners to consider off-site mitigation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we bring you an International Women's Day podcast special. As agriculture is often perceived as a male-dominated industry, it's important we recognise the leading role women are playing. Farming, like any industry, needs to continue to attract new talent and ideas and employ skills of both women and men. What will you hear?Lucinda Douglas, CLA North Director, shares the main challenges facing women in agriculture, how we can continue to overcome these barriers, and the initiatives to support women in the rural economy, including the CLA Women's Network. Sue Harrison, Former CLA Assistant Regional North West Director, tells us how women's representation in agriculture has evolved over the past decades, the opportunities for women in senior positions within agricultural industries, and the role that schools have to encourage and understand the career paths in agriculture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode focuses on the key factors to consider when determining if woodland creation is the right move for you. The UK Government is very keen to see much more woodland planted across the country as one of the ways to tackle the climate change issue. But creating woodland is essentially an irreversible decision, so landowners need to think carefully about if and where they do it. What will you hear?Graham Clark, CLA Senior Land Use Policy Adviser, will explain the benefits of planting trees on your land, the types of grants available and how to apply for them, and the regulatory approval needed to get started. Graham will also talk us through the ongoing management that is required, and what factors to consider when deciding which trees to plant and where to plant them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore how different business structures are treated for tax purposes and key issues for you to think about. Do you currently run a rural business? Are you planning to diversify or start up a new venture? Having the right business structure is crucial and, as each farming business operation is different, you may need to review how your business operates to ensure you have the right structure which is appropriate for your situation. Rural businesses are unusual in that they are more diversified, and it is important to check if your business structure remains the right one to use if you diversify into a new business activity. What will you hear?CLA Chief Taxation Adviser Louise Speke talks us through the different types of business structures, how different structures will be treated for tax, the benefits of running a farm or land-based business in a partnership, and how you have structured your business will influence inheritance tax on your estate. You will also hear from CLA Senior Taxation Adviser Jimmy Tse who explains the core differences between a partnership business and company in how the profits are taxed, the main tax issues relating to selling assets or getting assets or cash out of a company, and what to think about when planning to retire from your business from a tax perspective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are pleased to share with you a podcast episode on the approach to levelling up and the challenges that lie ahead. Levelling up is the flagship policy of Boris Johnson's Conservative government, with the idea to bring people and communities previously considered left behind to an equal standing with more prosperous areas such as the southeast by 2030. Though much of the government's focus has been around bridging the north-south divide, the CLA points to the widening gap between urban and rural areas as a key area to level up. Rural areas are 18% less productive than urban areas and closing that gap could add £43bn to the national economy. What will you hear?Rosie Nagle, CLA Public Affairs Manager, explains what levelling up means for rural areas, the political challenge of levelling up the entire UK, and the CLA's response to the Government's Levelling Up white paper. Rosie also shares with us the CLA's priorities in making the levelling up agenda work for rural communities. Simply click here to access the CLA document, Levelling Up, which proposes a series of policy measures the UK Government should undertake to unleash the potential of the rural economy. If you have any questions regarding this podcast you can email us at events@cla.org.uk You can also find us on: Twitter: @clatweetsFacebook:@countrylandandbusinessLinkedIn: @TheCLAInstagram: @countrylandandbusiness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are pleased to bring you a podcast episode on how farming is represented in the media and its consequences. With the UK's growing interest in sustainability and the exit from Common Agricultural Policy there has been an increase of representation of farming in mainstream media. While young farmers are using social media's power to facilitate discussion and share what it is like to work in agriculture. Are these conversations bridging the gap between rural and urban communities? What will you hear?Jonathan Roberts, CLA Director of External Affairs, discusses the opportunities that an increase in public interest in farming and land use provides the farming community with, the impacts of high-profile public figures, such as Ed Sheeran, working towards environmental goals, and the importance of farmers engaging within their local communities. We are also joined by Chief Reporter at the Farmers Guardian Abi Kay who shares with us the importance of combining entertainment and education on farming, such as Clarkson's farm, to drive positive engagement with a broader audience, and the impact of social media within the farming industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast we are pleased to bring you an episode on the opportunities of farm diversification. While diversification can have risks, it covers a wide range of potential new income streams and many businesses have found successful and profitable ways of expanding and developing their business. What will you hear?Fraser McAuley, CLA Senior Policy Adviser, explains how climate change will impact diversification opportunities, how the CLA can help with your diversification project, and the important considerations when embarking on a new business venture. We are also joined by CLA member Rhys Jones, who shares with us how he was able to combine his family farm with his passion for health and fitness to create a gym based on the farm called "Cattlestrength". He tells us about the barriers he faced when setting up his fitness business and his plans for the future. You can find all of our podcasts wherever you get your podcasts or simply click here. Twitter: @clatweetsLinkedIn: @The CLAWeb: www.CLA.org.ukFacebook: @The CLAInstagram: @countrylandandbusiness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss the agricultural transition, the new schemes and what they mean for the farming and land management sector. Since the vote to leave the European Union, we have spent several years talking about the replacement of the Common Agricultural Policy with new schemes designed in the UK. In England the agricultural transition has now begun with farmers seeing the first cuts to their direct payments last month whilst awaiting the launch of the Sustainable Farming Incentive later in 2022. What will you hear?Harry Greenfield, CLA Senior Land Use Policy Adviser, gives details about the Sustainable Farming Incentive, including what is on offer this year and how it will develop over the next few years. Harry also shares with us the improvements made to the Countryside Stewardship and the opportunities it provides. Cameron Hughes, CLA Land Use Policy Adviser, talks us through the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway for livestock farmers, the range of productivity and support schemes available, and how you can prepare your farm for the transition. We have recorded a webinar to give you a better understanding of the Agricultural Transition, you can view it on demand here. You can find out here (please can you link the word “here” with this link https://www.cla.org.uk/agricultural-transition/) how the CLA has influenced the development of new agricultural legislation and policies in England, as well as access CLA Guidance Notes and articles on the Agricultural Transition in England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With climate change an increasingly urgent priority on the global political agenda, what does this mean for farming? Alice Green, CLA Land Use Policy Adviser, shares with us the opportunities there are for the sector to take action on climate change, how the farming industry should be responding to the Global Methane Pledge and gives advice to farmers who are starting to think about net zero. You will also hear from Jon Foot, Head of Environment & Resource Management at AHDB, who will discuss how to cut through the complexity around carbon and develop an action plan, the potential to build soil carbon through farm management, and what AHDB are doing to help farmers to transition to net zero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we bring you a podcast on rural crime that will provide insights on the issue of fly tipping, which has soared to a record-high over the past 12 months. Defra's fly tipping statistics, released on Wednesday 8 December, make for grim reading, showing a 16% increase across England with over 1.1 million incidents being recorded between April 2020 and March 2021. The reality is much worse as these statistics only cover incidents on public land. Alison Provis, the CLA's national lead for fly-tipping and Regional Surveyor in the East, shares with us how it is affecting CLA members, what is behind the increase and what the CLA is doing to tackle the issue. We are also joined by Duncan Jones from Hertfordshire Waste Partnership and Chair of the Hertfordshire Fly Tipping Group. Duncan will tell us more about what industry-led action is being taken and what more needs to be done to stop incidents increasing further. Find out more by visiting the CLA website -https://www.cla.org.uk/news/new-figures-show-the-severe-damage-of-fly-tipping-in-england/Follow the link below to read the fly tipping statistics for England 2020-2021 in full –https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-in-england/fly-tipping-statistics-for-england-2020-to-2021Read the CLA's 5-point action plan to tackle fly tipping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, we bring you an interview with Mark Tufnell, the newly elected President of the CLA as of 11 November 2021. Mark, who owns and manages a traditional estate in the Cotswolds, has been actively involved in the CLA for over 20 years at branch and regional level now lays out his priorities that will be at the heart of his tenure. In this exclusive interview Mark shares with us his insights from COP26, how the CLA can ensure the government hears the voice of its members in development of new schemes such as Environment Land Management schemes, and the role his estate plays in the conservation of the grey partridge. To learn more about Mr Tufnell's priorities for his two-year presidency visit the CLA website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are delighted to offer a podcast that will be highly relevant and informative for any landowner or farmer considering planning a building project and what you need to consider insurance wise. Landowners and farmers are always looking at diversification opportunities as a way of generating new income streams. These projects often involve developing and making changes to existing farm buildings which will almost certainly require a change to your insurance policy. Esther Kane, Head of Rural at CLA Insurance, shares with us how best to plan a building project, the different stages within a project, and how to ensure you have the right cover in place at the right time to give you the protection you need. We are also joined by Freddie Braithwaite-Exley, from CLA Insurance, who explains the different types of conversions and projects that are often undertaken, the changes within the insurance market, and the unique package that CLA Insurance can offer CLA members if they are undertaking this type of activity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, businesses and governments have increased their efforts to try to measure and quantify the importance of the environment to them. Whether this is healthy soil for growing food, trees that capture carbon, or providing space for wildlife, the concept of natural capital can start to put a monetary value on these benefits that nature and the environment provide. What will you hear?Beilby Forbes Adam is taking on the custodianship of Escrick Park Estate, a diversified business in North Yorkshire. Beilby will share with you the role of environmental management within the Estate and how this might change compared to current practices. Harry Greenfield, CLA Senior Land Use Policy Adviser, outlines the importance of natural capital for CLA members and how government policy, such as the environmental land management schemes, supports the natural capital agenda. We are also joined by Jason Beedell, Director of Research in Strutt & Parker's research department, who will explain their work on natural capital accounting, which can help you to develop a long-term strategy and compare your financial returns with your environmental costs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With major changes in agricultural policy, in particular the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme, it is expected that there will be some restructuring within farming businesses and the industry as a whole. This will allow room for new entrants and for businesses to become more efficient through the sharing of resources or by expanding and taking on more land. In this episode, Andrew Shirley, CLA Chief Surveyor and Eirwen Williams, Director at Menter a Busnes, discuss what it is to be a new entrant, what the government should do to encourage them, and the practical, business and soft skills required to thrive in the agricultural industry. Estate Director John Varley at Clinton Devon Estates shares with us the importance of creating a support system around land managers and farmers that joins up mentoring and education. We are also joined by Sarah Palmer, AGRI Manager at NFYCF, who explains the importance of having a good robust business plan, and for new entrants, the value of taking advice from professionals where necessary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we are joined by Sally Bendall, Managing Director of Hollow Trees Farm in Suffolk, a working farm which also has a highly popular farm shop, café and deli, a family trail with play areas for children. Sally shares with us the challenges and the lessons learnt along the farm's diversification journey, but most importantly how the family have kept the farm at the heart of the business since 1986. Alison Provis, CLA Regional Surveyor, adds to the discussion and outlines the key things to consider when embarking on a new business venture such as market research, practical considerations like planning, but also the importance of innovation and being able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. CLA members can access the CLA Asset Management Plan and template mentioned in the episode by visiting the CLA website. WWW.CLA.ORG.UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With countries and organisations all in a race to achieve net zero emissions, carbon markets are projected to increase 15-fold, with most of that growth estimated to come from nature-based solutions: tree planting, peatland restoration and – potentially – soil carbon. This opens up a huge opportunity for landowners and farmers across England and Wales. In this podcast, Alice Ritchie, CLA Climate Change Lead, shares with us the different, nature-based carbon removals available, the current status of carbon markets, and how these markets might intersect with future land use policy. We are also joined by Harry Grocott, CEO and co-founder of Treeconomy, who takes us through the development of the private carbon market, the status of carbon prices, and what landowners need to know to get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode we explore the role of agri-tech in improving productivity and sustainability, the opportunities for the future, and advice for CLA members looking to implement the use of technology within their rural business. Claire Hodge, Head of Crops at the Agri Epi Centre, shares with us how new technology is trialled and tested, and how we need pioneers to push the industry forward. Jake Freestone, Farm Manager at Overbury Enterprises, explains the benefits of agri-tech in working towards net zero and the change in productivity he has seen since adopting these technologies on his farm. We are also joined by Adam Slate, Orchard Innovation Manager from Bardsley England, who tells us about his experience as an Agri Epi Satellite Farmer and the importance of collaboration across the industry Useful resources mentioned in today's episode include: Agri-Epi Centre - https://agri-epicentre.com Farming Equipment and Technology Fund https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2021/03/30/the-farming-investment-fund-an-overview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we will discuss the threats and challenges of rural crime and how you can better protect yourself, your family, and your business against criminals trying to exploit you for their own personal gain. CLA Rural Adviser Libby Bateman highlights the three key challenges land and business owners face in rural crime: cybercrime, wildlife crime, and machinery theft. Rebecca Chapman, from the North East Business Resilience Centre, shares with us the biggest risk for landowners in terms of cyber-attack and the steps in place to help business resilience. Chief Inspector Kevin Kelly, of the National Wildlife Crime Unit, discusses the main issues of wildlife crime, and what farmers and landowners can do to prevent this from happening on their land. We are also joined by the National Police Chiefs' Council's lead on machinery theft, Superintendent Andy Huddleston from Northumbria Police, who explains the prevalence of machinery theft and what manufacturers and insurance companies can do to tackle the problem Useful webpages mentioned in today's episode include: The Business Resilience Centre - https://www.nebrcentre.co.uk Police Cyber Alarm - https://cyberalarm.police.uk National Rural Crime Network - www.nationalruralcrimenetwork.net Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by CLA member Caroline Lowsley-Williams who has diversified her beautiful family home and country estate, Chavenage House, into a location for TV and film productions including the BBC1 series Poldark and The Pale Horse. Caroline shares with us how they started out as a film location, new business ventures filming has brought with it to the house and estate, and how to tap into the new trend of teletourism. We are also joined by Thomas Mason, CLA Rural Surveyor, who explains the importance of securing alternative income streams and the practicalities to consider when venturing into this industry. To learn more about Chavenage House and visit https://chavenage.com To find out more about Historic Houses visit - https://www.historichouses.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As people in Wales head to the polls on Thursday 6 May it is worth reflecting on what comes next for rural Wales. In this podcast we explore what the Senedd needs to do over the next five years to grow the Welsh rural economy. CLA Cymru's Chair Rory McLaggan, who runs the Merthyr Mawr Estate, shares with us his thoughts on what would make operating his business easier, the successes of the Welsh Government and the role farmers and landowners have in mitigating climate change. We are also joined by Angharad Owen, who with her brother manages their third-generation family business which includes a holiday park and farming near Abergele. Angharad discusses the challenges of the current planning system and how to keep young talent in rural Wales. Rory and Angharad represent the distinct characteristics of North and South Wales. CLA Cymru Director Nigel Hollett, who brings a wealth of experience in both the private and public sector, provides his perspective and reveals CLA Cymru's lobbying priorities. CLA Cymru has distributed its manifesto calling on Senedd election candidates to prioritise our political messages ahead of the approaching Senedd elections in 6 May. You can download our manifesto here.To watch the CLA Cymru husting recording please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB4A4ckF5VA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is predicted that due to climate change, all areas of the UK will continue to get hotter and drier, with 2021 projected to be one of the hottest years on record. Combined with an estimated population increase of six million people in England and Wales by 2043, many areas will be facing significant water shortages by 2050. In this podcast Alice Ritchie, CLA Climate Change and Water Lead discusses how vital water is for the rural economy, how farmers and landowners can reduce their reliance on water, and the CLA's vision for the water environment. Alice is joined by Nancy Smith, Communications and Engagement Executive at Water Resources East (WRE) who shares with us the current state of the water environment, and the importance of collaboration across all water-using sectorsWRE Systematic Conservation Planning: https://wre.org.uk/projects/systematic-conservation-planning/WRE Norfolk Water Strategy Programme: https://wre.org.uk/projects/norfolk-water-strategy-programme/WRE Resource Position Statement including future planning: https://wre.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WRE-RPS-report-March-2021-FINAL.pdf If you have enjoyed this episode you may also like to listen to Nancy Smith's podcast, What is water? https://anchor.fm/whatiswater Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore how rural businesses can tap into the staycation trend. As foreign travel this summer remains uncertain, the demand for domestic day trips and staycations is rising. With creativity and flexibility in mind can businesses capitalise on this opportunity? Will the trend and pent-up demand continue? Charles Trotman, CLA Senior Rural Business and Economics Adviser, discusses how businesses can prepare for the coming season, what other diversified activities could become popular, and the importance of gauging the market properly. We are also joined by Robyn Isherwood, owner of the luxury events company RJI Consultancy and founder of the UK's first-ever social distancing festival at Gisburne Park Estate. Robyn shares with us how the festival came into being and gives advice for businesses that are interested in diversifying. To find out more about Gisburne Park please visit: www.gisburneparkestate.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To kick start season two, we delve into a concept that is increasingly coming to the fore in business - responsible capitalism, which encourages you to promote your good business practices. Julian Richer, Founder and Managing Director of Richer Sounds, shares with us how this idea prompted the launch of a scheme called the Good Business Charter. You will hear from Jenny Herrera, Chief Executive of the Good Business Foundation, the charity behind the Charter who explains how it measures behaviour over ten key components including environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing and employee representation. We are also joined by CLA member and Good Business Charter member Johnny Wake of the Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire. Johnny and his colleague Philippa Fitzgerald will discuss with us their experience of the scheme so far, and why rural businesses and landowners in particular should seek to gain accreditation. To find out more about becoming a member of the Good Business Charter and to get started visit: www.goodbusinesscharter.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Sophie Dwerryhouse, CLA National Access Adviser, gives insight into the management responsibilities of farmers and landowners where rights of way are concerned, and explains why the CLA are campaigning for the Countryside Code to be taught in schools. We are also joined by CLA member Phil Rowbottom who shares with us how he manages the rights of way across his 300 acre arable farm, and the impact an increased footfall is having on both the wildlife and the day-to-day running of his business. Britain's 150,000 miles of public footpaths have been very busy over the past year. The countryside has seen a significant rise in the number of visitors, prompted by a desire to break the monotony of repeated lockdowns, and enjoy some much-needed exercise. Whilst this upsurge in interest is to be welcomed, farmers and landowners, as custodians of the land, hold a key responsibility for the management of many of these routes. But often those responsibilities are misunderstood To read the Countryside Code please visit- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, CLA member Emily McVeigh of the Kenton Hall Estate in Suffolk shares with us how the pandemic has affected her wedding venue business, and the importance of a government roadmap to re-opening this forgotten industry. We are also joined by Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Senior Rural Business and Economics Adviser, who gives us an insight into the scale of the problem and explains what is needed to help businesses in this sector survive now and into the future. For more information on the UK Weddings Taskforce please visit: https://ukweddings.org/about Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by CLA member Jonny Crickmore, a third generation dairy farmer and owner of Fen Farm Dairy in Suffolk who shares with us his diversification story. Jonny and his wife Dulcie saw an opportunity and started producing a specialist cheese. Identifying a gap in the market, Britain's first brie was launched in 2013: Baron Bigod. Today they supply the hospitality sector with a range of artisan produce as well as selling direct to the public online. You will hear how Jonny and his team were able to adapt to the impacts of coronavirus and why Jonny believes more farmers should consider diversifying their businesses, now more than ever. Visit Fen Farm Dairy's website and online shop https://fenfarmdairy.co.uk.For more information on the Specialist Cheesemakers Association visit - http://www.specialistcheesemakers.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode focuses on the challenge of decarbonising rural homes. For the UK to meet its 2050 net-zero target, greenhouse gas emissions from buildings need to be eliminated. The minimum energy efficiency standards for privately let households are being tightened from 2025, while oil heating is being phased out from 2028. In order to meet these tougher requirements, rural landlords should start thinking about the transition of their properties to low-carbon heating. Hermione Warmington, CLA Property and Business Policy Adviser, shares with us why rural households are so challenging to decarbonise and the options that are available for low-carbon, off-gas heating. You will hear what the current government regulations are, and how the Green Homes Grant scheme can help you decarbonise your rural property. For more information please visit: Green Homes Grant - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-green-homes-grant-scheme Energy Savings Trust- https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/ Read the CLA's consultation response: https://www.cla.org.uk/influence/policy-library/improving-energy-performance-privately-rented-homes-england-and-wales CLA members can access the briefing note here: https://www.cla.org.uk/briefing-note-consultation-improving-energy-performance-privately-rented-homes-england-and-wales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast you will discover how important the UK's peatland is for climate change, biodiversity, water quality and more. Carbon-rich upland and lowland peatlands make up 12% of the UK's land area. Currently storing 20 times as much carbon as the UK's forests, they give the UK a significant advantage in the fight against climate change. However, much of the UK's peatland is in a degraded state, and options must be looked at to start restoring these valuable natural habitats. Alice Ritchie, CLA Climate Change Lead, shares with us the ongoing work in the uplands of England and Wales and how unique these ecosystems and habitats are, particularly for rural tourism. We are also joined by Jo Finlow, from Fens for the Future, who discusses the unique nature of lowland peat and how partnerships like Fens for the Future can work with stakeholders to achieve real change. For more information on the topics covered in today's podcast visit:Peatland Code: https://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/funding-finance/peatland-codeFens for the Future: https://www.fensforthefuture.org.uk/Moorland Association: https://www.moorlandassociation.org/Climate Change Committee: https://www.theccc.org.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Part one: Trees ‘David Attenborough's recent Netflix documentary did an incredible job making the case that the key to solving climate change is right in front of us: nature. Nature is our biggest ally, inspiration and the best, most cost-effective, shovel-ready technology we have to tackle the climate crisis.' In this podcast we focus on how the UK's significant potential for tree planting is uniquely placed to deploy these solutions. Graham Clark, CLA Senior Land Use Policy Adviser, tells us how we can increase tree planting, how additional trees can help us reach net zero and the tools landowners need to encourage further woodland creation. We are also joined by Andrew Baker, Carbon Project Manager at CarbonStore, who explains the Woodland Carbon Code and the various opportunities woodland creation provides for diverse streams of income including grant support and the selling of carbon units and timber. This episode is supported by Tilhill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's podcast will explore why soils are so important for the climate, environment and food production. Karen Fisher, a Farming Adviser at the Soil Association tells us about what they mean for climate change goals and how healthy soils can also help adapt to climate change and tackle the biodiversity crisis. We are also joined by Georgie Bray, who shares with us the practices she has implemented on her arable farm that have improved soil health. You will hear about what she has learnt in the process and her top tips for farmers looking to undertake some of these practices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've had vegan sausage rolls, Meat Free Mondays, impossible burgers… the list goes on. But while there's been a polarising focus on meat eating vs veganism, we might be missing the wider point – that good quality meat and dairy produced to high environmental and animal welfare standards can and should exist in a healthy, balanced diet. But are we currently eat too much? Alice Ritchie, the CLA's Climate Change Lead, will discuss the future of our food with Dan Crossley from the Food Ethics Council, and Dr Courtney Scott, Senior Policy Researcher from the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission. You will hear what an ethical and sustainable diet looks like, what food trends and consumption patterns mean for farmers across the UK and, finally, how these will create new markets and opportunities that farmers can capitalise on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we are joined by father and son John & Tom Homfray, owners of Penllyn Estate Farm near Cowbridge in Wales who share their diversification story with us. We hear what prompted the family to diversification in the first place, the challenges they faced & their advice for members considering pursuing new opportunities now or in the future. To find out more about Penllyn Estate Farm visit www.penllynestate.co.uk. CLA members can assess free impartial advice regarding all aspects of farm diversification. Visit www.cla.org.uk to find out more or to become a member of the CLA today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rural tourism has taken the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic. Businesses have endured forced closure through two lockdowns, and the sector has resiliently met the challenge of ever evolving public policy head on, with consumers recognising the vital role rural businesses play in supporting local communities. Testing times remain however the coming months will prove critical in determining whether some businesses remain viable into 2021. In our first episode, Dr Charles Trotman, CLA Senior Business & Economics Adviser, is joined by Ros Pritchard from British Holiday & Home Parks Association and Kurt Janson from the Tourism Alliance to highlight the importance of the rural tourism economy to our members and to talk us through the challenges the sector now faces and what the future could hold. CLA members can access further advice via the CLA website: https://www.cla.org.uk/advice-members-rural-tourism-and-covid-19. If you are not a member, join you can join today via www.cla.org.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Brexit, the loss of direct support under the Basic Payment Scheme and the impact of coronavirus, diversification has never been more important to the rural economy and the planning system plays a central role in enabling or obstructing rural development.In the fourth and final podcast for Rural Powerhouse Week, we speak to CLA member Hugh Broom about his diversification into battery storage. Challenged with a site both in an AONB and Green Belt, Hugh finds an innovative way to navigate the planning system and diversify into an area which will only continue to gain importance and traction as we shift to a low-carbon economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government has ambitious climate change targets and these come with pretty big implications for those who own or manage land in England or Wales. On day three of Rural Powerhouse weekwe hear from Lord Zac Goldsmith, Minister for the Environment, about the government's plans to harness nature-based solutions like tree planting and peatland restoration. We are then joined by Jason Beedell, Director of Research at Strutt & Parker to tell us what it all actually means for those on the ground.For more information on climate change and land use, the CLA has produced a factsheet on climate change, cutting through the rhetoric and pulling together all the most robust science. This can be found here: https://www.cla.org.uk/cla-and-road-net-zero Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day two of Rural Powerhouse Week focuses on the risks and opportunities for rural businesses in trading with markets outside of the UK. In today's episode CLA Public Affairs Manager Eleanor Wood provides the inside track on the politics of the negotiations between the UK and the EU. This is then followed by a lively discussion between economist Julian Jessop, and CLA Chief Economist Charles Trotman on what the UK can expect from life beyond the EU, and what this means for government's plans for a 'global Britain'. Listen below or search "Rural Powerhouse Podcast" wherever you listen to podcasts. If you are accessing this on mobile, click here for Android and here for IOS. Please find all of the CLA's advice and support for your business and the Brexit transition period here: www.cla.org.uk/brexit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme will launch in England in 2024, with national pilots beginning next year. However, Defra has already been testing some of the elements of the new scheme with farmers and land managers through a programme of 'tests and trials' over the last two years. This is an important opportunity for farmers and land managers to put forward and test their own ideas about what ELM should look like. In this podcast, we hear from two CLA members involved in the tests and trials. They share their experiences and the ideas they are investigating. We also hear from Gavin Ross, who leads the tests and trials programme for Defra, and Ed Hutley from Strutt & Parker, as they discuss the bigger picture of how the new ELM scheme is taking shape. The CLA is leading on two tests and trials. Members can read the final report for one of those trials here. Defra has information about the whole range of trials here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CLA Rural Powerhouse Week begins on 23rd November 2020, hear 4 exclusive podcast discussions here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.