A COUNTRYSIDE watchdog is running a roadshow aimed at helping farmers with funding options for their businesses.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is hosting an Agricultural Transition Roadshow at Westmorland Showground at Milnthorpe on October 30 from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Farmers and landowners don’t have to be CLA members to attend the meetings, but registration is required.

Recent Defra research shows that the North has the lowest engagement with agricultural schemes across the country which means farmers are potentially missing out on funding options for their farm businesses.

During the two-hour sessions farmers will hear directly from CLA experts, who will provide an overview of the key available funding opportunities members need to be aware of, and discuss what they could mean.

Representatives from NIAB (Future Farming Resilience Fund case studies, advice and support); Defra (Catchment Sensitive Farming & Rural Payments Agency) as well as the Forestry Commission will provide updates.

The events are the perfect opportunity for members and non-members alike, says the CLA, to raise specific questions with experts.

The new government has been elected midway through the agricultural transition in England. 2024 Basic Payment Scheme receipts will be at least 50 per cent of the pre-cut 2020 rates, and new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes are up and running.

It has said it would continue to roll out and improve the Environmental Land Management schemes, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive expanded offer.

To register for these events, visit the CLA’s website – www.cla.org.uk/events. Members and non-members requiring support with their booking can contact the CLA North office by telephoning 01748 907070.

The CLA has 26,000 members across rural England and Wales.