Partner Insight: The key to a successful diversification

For many farming families, a successful diversification can mean the difference between staying in the black and falling into the red. But achieving this success can often be frustrated by costly planning challenges. Shannon Fuller, Planning Advisor with the CLA, highlights the key considerations.

CLA

22 May 2024 • 1 min read

A survey released in 2023 by the CLA suggests the current planning system is flawed. The findings of this survey of 619 businesses showed almost three quarters have been forced to abandon potential business developments due to outdated and under-resourced planning procedures.

Shannon Fuller, Planning Advisor with the CLA, believes the enthusiasm for diversification is not waning. She says:

"As the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is phased out, more farmers are looking to make additional income from their holdings to ensure financial resilience and sustainability for future generations.

"Diversification helps farmers spread risks associated with factors such as market fluctuations, unprecedented weather conditions and crop diseases.

"Obtaining planning permission is expensive, with a third of respondents to our survey citing costs of around £20,000. Key to success is positive engagement with the planning authority and policy compliant proposals.

Learn more:

For more information on the top diversification trends, potential income opportunities and findings from the CLA's planning system survey, visit the FOCUS Guide.

This post is funded by CLA.

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