Where there’s no muck, there’s no brass
A Co Down man, who registered as a farmer to steal over £200,000 in a VAT refund fraud, even though he didn’t own a farm, has been jailed for 10 months after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Thomas McKay, 31, from Banbridge, created false invoices for his non-existent farming business to fraudulently […]
Enterprise Bill must benefit rural businesses
The CLA has called on Government to ensure the newly-announced Enterprise Bill helps rural businesses to invest and grow. The organisation, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, is responding to the Government’s commitment to include an Enterprise Bill in the Queen’s Speech on 27 May. CLA President Henry Robinson said: “We are pleased an […]
Lantra Scotland appoint two senior figures
Lantra, the sector skills council for land-based, aquaculture and environmental industries, has announced the appointment of two senior figures to run the organisation in Scotland from its headquarters in Perth. The new National Chair will be Henry Graham, a Midlothian farmer and experienced figure from the world of rural banking and agriculture, while the new […]
First 12,000 BPS applications received
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has now received 12,900 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) applications. But with just over four weeks to go until the June 15 deadline, farmers who have not yet submitted their claim are being urged to do so as soon as possible. RPA has sent farmers, either by email or on paper, […]
Countdown to BPS 2015 deadline
There are seven weeks remaining for farmers to make their 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS 2015) application. The vast majority of farmers should now have received their pre-populated BP5 claim forms. Anyone who has not received their form, either by email or post, by the end of April should contact the Rural Payments helpline on […]
DanCorn sold to American company
DanCorn A/S, which sells equipment for grain handling, has been sold to the American company Sukup Manufacturing Co., which has been the company’s supplier of bins, equipment and dryers for 15 years. DanCorn was founded in Klejs near Juelsminde and has been domiciled in Hedensted since 2007. The company’s 40 employees were informed about the […]
ForFarmers acquisition of Countrywide Farmers Feed and Forage activities approved
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has approved ForFarmers acquisition of Countrywide Farmers feed and forage activities. The acquisition, which was announced on 9th December 2014, will be completed on 1st May 2015. On completion, ForFarmers will acquire the compound feed, blends, co-products, straights and forage businesses from Countrywide. The transaction also includes a long […]
It’s time to make your BPS 2015 application
Farmers are advised to start their 2015 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application as soon as they receive their pre-populated form. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) began sending the forms yesterday (12 April) and they will be sent initially to everyone who has registered on the Rural Payments system. The email will be sent from donotreply@ruralpayments.service.gov.uk. […]
Animal Disease Surveillance Board gets Chair
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has announced the appointment of Professor Dirk Pfeiffer as chair of the new Animal Disease Surveillance Governance Board. Dirk Pfeiffer is a Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Head of the Veterinary Epidemiology, Economic and Public Health group in the Department of Production and Population Medicine at the Royal […]
