Olivia Barker FAAV Rural Surveyor
Although we are already a month into 2026, this is set to be a year of change for farmers and landowners. While certainty and confidence have been very low recently in the agricultural sector, recent Government announcements offer slightly more hope of better things to come, and at H&H Land and Estates we are fully prepared to support and guide our clients through the year ahead.
The announcement on 23rd December last year that the thresholds for Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) are to be increased from the original £1 million cap, announced in the 2024 Autumn budget, to £2.5 million, from 6th April 2026, was very welcome. Married couples are due to be able to pass on up to £5 million in qualifying agricultural or business assets between them.
On the environmental schemes and grants side, we are currently busy submitting final grant claims on behalf of clients with existing Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) agreements. The deadline for submitting claims falls on 31st March.
The recent announcement from DEFRA regarding the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) provides some clarity, with the news that the scheme is due to launch in 2026, with two applications windows. The first window will be open from June and those with small farms or without existing environmental land management agreements will be able to apply. The second window is expected to open from September and will be open to all farmers.
The new SFI offer aims to be simple, fairer and more streamlined, with less actions available than in previous years. We await further information regarding what these actions will be, as well as payment rates.
On a personal note, I have recently passed my CAAV exams, after facing two demanding days of exams involving practical, oral and written elements, based on a mixed arable and livestock farm in York. I look forward to being able use the knowledge I have gained in preparing for and sitting my professional exams to advise and help farmers throughout the county.
