Latest news with #RuralAffairs
Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Times
Inheritance tax shake-up threatens food security, say farmers
Rachel Reeves's inheritance tax reforms will put food security at risk and will force farmers to drop nature-friendly practices, the government's own survey has found. Polling by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) found that confidence in ministers among farmers had dropped by 11 per cent in the year since Labour came to power. Many of them cited the overhaul of inheritance tax as a threat to their way of life. Farmers told the government they were 'feeling let down', that there was a 'lack of trust' and a 'need for transparency'. The report said: 'There was a sense that it would take a long time to rebuild this trust and, overall, a feeling of dissatisfaction with current policy.' It found that farmers felt food security would be put at risk 'due to farms closing because of policies such as making some farm businesses subject to inheritance tax'. Farmers also feared the changes would make their business 'unviable' and they would be less likely to invest in their farms because it could push them over the limit to pay the levy 'as they felt that it would be lost rather than staying in the family'. 'A few said that due to changes to inheritance tax they would drop nature friendly farming practices and 'extract as much value' from their farms as possible before selling up and retiring to live off the proceeds,' it said. The chancellor cut the amount of inheritance tax relief available to family farms in her October budget. Under current plans, a 20 per cent inheritance tax will be levied on agricultural assets worth more than £1 million for the first time from April next year. Ministers argue that other tax exemptions mean a couple would be able to pass on a family farm worth up to £3 million tax-free to their children, but critics say some family farms could still be hit. • Jeremy Clarkson: Farmers are the new miners, pawns in a political game The poll found that 54 per cent of farmers were 'not at all confident' that their relationship with ministers would develop positively in the future, which is the highest proportion since the question was first asked. Last year 45 per cent said they were not at all confident. Mo Metcalf-Fisher, of the Countryside Alliance, said: 'Many farmers feel incredibly anxious about their livelihoods, largely as a result of October's budget. 'Any instability in the sector is a much wider problem for the UK, not just for our food security but the wider economy. The government must urgently reset its relationship with the countryside and farming sector and find a way forward before we lose more family farms.' Data released earlier this week showed a record number of farms have been forced to shut this year. In total 6,365 agriculture, forestry and fishing businesses closed over the past year, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figure is the highest since quarterly data was first published in 2017. Daniel Zeichner, the food security and rural affairs minister, said: 'Our dedication to British farming and food security is unwavering, allocating a record £11.8 billion to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament, and we have appointed former NFU [National Farmers' Union] president Baroness Minette Batters to recommend further reforms to boost farmers profits. 'The findings today show the strong momentum behind nature-friendly farming, backed by the high level of uptake in the latest round of capital grants. Environmental land management schemes are the best tools to support the sector's transition to sustainable food production and profitability.' A Treasury spokesman said: 'Most estates claiming agricultural and business property reliefs will be unaffected by the changes. The latest data shows that 40 per cent of agricultural property relief — worth £219 million — was directed to just 117 estates. The money raised will go towards public services we all rely on every day instead.'
Irish Independent
06-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford IFA launch pilot guide to improving water quality
The pilot initiative contains eight actions for change as part of the Better Farming for Water programme. Under three headings – Nutrient Management, Farmyard Management and Land Management – the guide identifies actions to support farmers to achieve higher water quality. The guide was recently launched at the tillage event on the farm of William and Craig Masterson in Bunclody on Wednesday, July 2. IFA Environment Chair John Murphy said the Better Farming for Water programme and the Farming for Water EIP are helping farmers to go beyond regulatory requirements to protect and restore water bodies. 'The latter project is open to all farmers with land in priority action areas (PAAs) where targeted water quality improvements are needed,' he said. He and Jer O' Mahony, the Wexford Environment and Rural Affairs Representative, explained that Wexford farmers recognise that agriculture plays a vital role in achieving the water quality targets set by the Water Framework Directive and are taking proactive steps to protect local water bodies by implementing practical on-farm measures. This includes improving nutrient management, fencing off watercourses, reducing runoff, and adopting targeted solutions like sediment traps and catch crops. "These actions are already making a positive impact, with improvements in water quality recorded across the county. By taking action now, we can continue to protect our rivers, lakes, and coastal waters—supporting sustainable farming and clean water for everyone,' they said. They also highlighted that funding is potentially available to farmers in Co. Wexford under the Farming for Water EIP. This project is a €60 million farmer and advisory led initiative to project and restore water quality. The project is open to all farmers with land in priority action areas (PAAs) and all dairy and tillage farmers in nitrates catchments of concern where targeted water quality improvements are needed.
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Rural Ontario gets $20M boost for growth
Rural Ontario is getting an infusion of government money to pull from to try and ride out uncertain economic times. Rural Ontario is getting an infusion of government money to pull from to try and ride out uncertain economic times. 'We sometimes feel like we're under the shadow of the GTA and the bigger cities, and we have a lot of residents, a lot of good businesses, and all these things help just promote those and strengthen them,' said Huron County Warden, Jamie Heffer. $20 million will be available over the next two years in the newly developed Rural Ontario Development Program. Rural municipalities, along with small businesses, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations in Rural Ontario can apply, starting Tuesday. The money can be used for economic development, employee attraction and retention, community infrastructure, and/or business development. 'Whether it's a medical clinic in a small community or a business centre or a wellness initiative to help people on the streets across Ontario, this type of funding makes a difference. And it builds confidence that there's so much more opportunity to grow,' said Ontario's Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, who announced the funding in Clinton this morning. Rural Ontario Development Rural leaders launch the Rural Ontario Development Program in Clinton on June 24, 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) While $20 million over two years may not sound like a lot of funding, the idea is to help fund a large number of small projects, rather than two or three large ones. Since 2019, the provincial government has invested $27.5 million in over 473 projects across Ontario, through the predecessor to the Rural Ontario Development Program, called the Rural Economic Development Program. 'The R.E.A.C.H Centre here in Clinton is a perfect example. What started out as a regional equine and agricultural centre, is now home to Fanshawe College. It's home to a local Montessori school. It's home to so much more. And they're looking to grow. That's exactly what we want to do,' said Thompson, who is also the MPP for Huron-Bruce. 'When we built this arena for just shy of $7 million, we got $500,000 in funding from the province. But over a period of a loan, that's a lot of money that you could be paying out in interest. So, every little bit helps,' said Municipality of Central Huron Reeve, Jim Ginn. DOWNTOWN CLINTON Downtown Clinton, Ont. on June 24, 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) Rural leaders hope if the government is bombarded with applications, as they expect they will be, it will be a sign that more investments in Rural Ontario are warranted. 'I'm hoping that if uptake is very strong, that perhaps we'll be seeing, more funds in it in another two years time,' said Rural Ontario Municipal Association Chair, and Mississippi Mills Mayor, Christa Lowry. 'This is extremely important for our small, rural Ontario. The opportunity to just have the government putting this kind of dollars into strengthening our rural communities. It's just a fantastic program that we're looking forward to,' said Heffer. 'It's an incentive and it kickstarts things. We did some public fundraising here for the R.E.A.C.H Centre, and when you know the other levels of government have kicked in some money, that helps people justify putting in some of their own,' said Ginn. Applications for the Rural Ontario Development Program open today, and close on Sept. 24.
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
What does the declaration of a drought mean for Yorkshire?
A drought has officially been declared for Yorkshire after the driest start to a year in 96 years. But what does that mean for people living and working in the region?During a drought, which is announced by the Environment Agency, water companies are required to put their drought plan into can mean customers being asked to reduce their water usage and, if that is ineffective, hosepipe bans could move to drought status does not automatically trigger action, but allows the Environment Agency and water firms to increase efforts to manage the is the first time a drought has been officially declared in Yorkshire since 2022, and comes just weeks after a drought was confirmed across the north west of May, Yorkshire Water, which provides water to about five million people, said its reservoir stocks had been falling since late January due to one of the driest springs on record, and increased customer demand during warmer to the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, north east and north west England have not experienced such a dry period between January and April since 1929. Yorkshire Water's drought plan – which follows guidelines set by the Environment Agency – includes the possible introduction of measures such as:Voluntary water usage restrictionsFormal hosepipe and sprinkler bansReducing leakage from Yorkshire Water systemsOptimising the company's supply network by balancing reservoir stocks and recommissioning unused water sourcesAccording to Yorkshire Water's plan, it could restrict water use for vehicle washing, watering parks and gardens and washing customers would be asked to volunteer to reduce their usage before a hosepipe ban was put in place, according to the the voluntary restrictions did not work and the drought worsened or continued, formal restrictions on water use could be brought into firms are also expected to release more regular information on stocks during an official drought. Yorkshire Water last implemented its drought plan in summer 2022, with a hosepipe ban that lasted from August until December that the 2022 drought, the company recommended customers take measures such as singing a four-minute song while showering to reduce usage, only cleaning car mirrors, windows and lights, and leaving lawns to go May, Dave Kaye, the firm's director of water, said a hosepipe ban was a possibility this warned that water stocks in Yorkshire were "in a worse situation" than in 2022, when there were three heatwaves over the course of the to the company, a drought order would be lifted when the region's water resources returned to levels where normal operations could it has said that could take some time and measures might last well beyond any return to normal rainfall patterns. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia Landscaping Market Grows to $2.50B as Giga Projects Expand
The KSA landscaping market sees a rise to USD 2.50 billion, supported by major developments like NEOM and the Red Sea Project. Urbanization in Riyadh and Makkah, coupled with initiatives like the Riyadh Green Initiative, fuel demand. Challenges include water scarcity and skills gap, met with opportunities in climate-responsive landscaping and smart irrigation solutions. Dublin, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Saudi Arabia Landscaping Market Outlook to 2029" has been added to offering. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Landscaping Market is experiencing remarkable growth, valued at USD 2.50 billion, reflecting increased investments in public infrastructure and private residential projects. The sector's growth is fuelled by large-scale projects like the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and King Abdullah Financial District. The expanding pipeline of giga projects and mixed-use developments continues to propel the demand for landscaping across the kingdom. In particular, the Riyadh Province and cities like Makkah and Jeddah are at the forefront of this expansion. High urbanization rates, substantial hotel developments, and commercial growth in these areas have significantly boosted the demand for green spaces and water-efficient outdoor amenities. Makkah alone contributes 85,000 hotel room keys under development. Initiatives such as the Riyadh Green Initiative aim to plant 7.5 million trees, enhancing the region's landscaping projects and drawing attention from public and private sector contracts. Landscaping companies in Saudi Arabia navigate regulatory frameworks established by the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs, and Housing and adhere to guidelines from the Saudi Contractors Authority. New policies, including the 2.5% white land tax, incentivize urban development, while further initiatives support the Vision 2030 goals of increasing green space per capita, emphasizing environmental sustainability. Contractual regulations mandate performance bonds, insurance guarantees, and restrictions on subcontracting. KSA Landscaping Market Segmentation By Product Type: The market covers categories such as Hardscaping, Softscaping, Lighting and Water Features, and Green Infrastructure. Hardscaping is prominent due to infrastructure projects like NEOM and Diriyah Gate, focusing on pathways, plazas, and long-lasting surfaces. By Service Type: It includes Design & Planning, Installation & Construction, and Maintenance & Irrigation Management. The arid climate necessitates robust maintenance and irrigation services, especially notable with large-scale hotel developments underway. KSA Landscaping Market Competitive Landscape The market is moderately fragmented, with a blend of local contractors and established engineering firms. Companies with expertise in smart irrigation, drought-tolerant designs, and involvement in giga-projects are gaining a competitive edge, as sustainability becomes a primary bid criterion. KSA Landscaping Market Analysis Growth Drivers Main drivers include the Vision 2030 Urban Greening Mandate and tourism-related aesthetic enhancements. Giant developments like NEOM require intricate landscaping in resorts and urban plazas, while the real estate expansion prioritizes greenery and eco-friendly solutions. Market Challenges Key challenges involve water scarcity and a shortage of skilled landscaping professionals. Successful projects depend on efficient irrigation and drought-resistant techniques, challenging the sector amidst labor constraints and a lack of specialized training programs. KSA Landscaping Market Future Outlook Projected to grow steadily over the next five years, the market will be driven by urban expansion, tourism beautification, and green infrastructure development. Companies focusing on native plant systems and integrated smart technology are poised to secure significant long-term contracts. Market Opportunities Climate-responsive landscaping, leveraging native plant solutions, and smart irrigation technologies present new opportunities. End-to-end solutions from green tech firms are becoming increasingly popular, especially for municipal and high-end real estate projects. Company Coverage: Nesma & Partners Rashid Trading & Contracting Company SALCO (Saudi Landscape Company) Zaid Alhussain Group Safari Group Key Topics Covered: 1. Executive Summary1.1. Market Overview of KSA Landscaping Market1.2. Ecosystem of Players in the Market2. KSA Landscaping Market Overview2.1. Growth in Commercial, Residential, and Public Projects2.2. Vision 2030 and Giga Project Landscaping Demand2.3. Tourism-Driven Outdoor Aesthetic Development2.4. Urban Greening and Government Spending Initiatives2.5. Smart Irrigation and Sustainability Trends3. KSA Landscaping Market Sizing3.1. Market Value 2024 and Forecast to 20303.2. CAGR Analysis by Revenue Type (Products & Services)3.3. Regional Demand Breakdown - Riyadh, Makkah, Tabuk3.4. Application-Wise Landscape Demand (Public, Commercial, Residential)4. KSA Landscaping Market Segmentations4.1. By Revenue Type4.2. By Product Type4.3. By Service Type4.4. By Application4.5. By Region5. Competitive Landscape5.1. Competitive Overview5.2. Cross-Comparison of Key Players6. Market Growth Drivers6.1. Vision 2030 Urban Greening Mandates6.2. Tourism and Giga Project Development6.3. Real Estate and Mixed-Use Landscaping Demand7. Market Challenges7.1. Water Scarcity and Irrigation Dependency7.2. Workforce Skill Gap in Design and Execution8. Future Outlook8.1. Market Evolution to 20308.2. Role of Sustainability and Green Technologies9. Market Opportunities9.1. Demand for Native and Xeriscape Landscaping9.2. Integration of Smart Irrigation Systems10. Scope of the Report10.1 By Revenue Type10.2 By Product Type10.3 By Service Type10.4 By Application10.5 By Region For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
