Entitlement trading is now well under way, and Madeleys Chartered Surveyors, based in Much Wenlock, are advising farmers to complete their deals before April to make sure they get the best value – whether they are buying or selling.
Entitlements were allocated to farms to enable them to claim their Single Farm Payment, each hectare of land equating to one entitlement.
Because entitlements are not tied to specific land, over the years through land sales many people have found themselves with more or less entitlements than needed.
It was announced late last year that the current entitlement system will be rolled on into the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015.
Chris Powell, of Madeleys Chartered Surveyors, said it was vital for farmers to get trading now because the entitlements held at the end of this year would be carried into the new scheme – and it was not yet clear how trading would work from 2015.
He said: “Trade is going well at the moment so it’s a good idea to get things sorted as soon as you can. With the deadline for trading being 2 April, and with the uncertainty of whether trading will be allowed after this deadline, now is the time to act.
“It can be difficult for farmers to find a good deal, whether buying or selling, so it’s always advisable to talk to your agent or chartered surveyor before trading.
“Chartered surveyors have access to the national market and can shop around to make sure you not only get the best price, but also that you get the right amount of entitlements to get the maximum amount of subsidy possible.”
Shropshire Live is regulated by