Survey shows a surge in farm diversification

Farm diversification is now essential for most family farms to be able to remain profitable. This has been reflected by the significant increase in new farm diversification projects that have been implemented over the last 12 months. For any farmers considering farm diversification, we recommend attending the Farm Business Innovation Show you can book tickets for free here. You can find us on stand 1061 where we will be offering expert marketing advice for free and special show offers.

The proportion of farmers with a diversified business jumped to 37% in 2021 from 31% last year, according to a survey by NFU Mutual. This annual increase is much greater than in previous years, with the percentage of farms diversifying in 2019 and 2018 accounting for 30% and 28% respectively.

Income from non-farming enterprises as a percentage of the total business turnover also increased, rising to 16% in 2021, compared with 11% in the previous year. More than one-third (34%) of the farms already operating a non-agricultural enterprise expect these to contribute a higher percentage towards their total business income during the next five years.

What is driving this farm diversification trend?

Several factors are reported to be behind the rise of alternative enterprises. NFU Mutual attributes much of the change to Brexit and the risk of cheaper food imports. Changes to subsidies as the Basic Payment Scheme is phased out may also put pressure on farm businesses to look for alternate sources of income. Coronavirus is encouraging staycations in the UK, creating new opportunities for many farm businesses.

The annual diversification report shows holiday accommodation to be one of the most common options, found on 12% of farms surveyed.

The most popular types of diversification, in order, are:

• Renewable energy
• Non-holiday property letting
• Holiday accommodation
• Equestrian
• Farm shops
• Caravan/camping sites

The survey shows England has the highest percentage of farms with a form of diversification at 43%. 39% of farms in Scotland and 34% of farms in Wales had a non-agricultural enterprise. The proportion in Northern Ireland was considerably lower, at just 16%.

The tax implications?

A potential risk when considering a new non-agricultural enterprise is the impact this may have on inheritance tax. If buildings or land are removed from agricultural use, this could mean that benefits such as agricultural property relief are removed.

Sean McCann, NFU Mutual chartered financial planner, said: “Some diversified businesses may qualify for business property relief [BPR], which can also reduce an inheritance tax bill. In order to get BPR, the land or buildings must normally be used for ‘trading’ rather than ‘investment’ purposes.”

Article taken from Farmers Weekly