FARMING subsidy support in a post-Brexit UK is a key theme at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.

One talk-cum-debate, hosted by land, property and business consultancy George F. White, will look at possible impacts on cash flow, subsidy provision, cost of labour and commodity prices.

Ultimately, the focus will be on the financial support available to farmers and landowners and, crucially, what they need to be doing now to future-proof their business.

Leading the discussion will be Geoff Hall, regional director at Lloyds Bank, John Lund, a livestock farmer, Tom Bayston, an arable farmer and owner of Park Lodge Shooting School, as well as Simon Britton and Miles Crossley, both from the consultancy. The latter will explain why alternative income streams need to be a key priority for the sector.

Simon Britton, partner at the firm, said: “It’s clear now that there is a significant change in farm subsidies on the horizon and for many, it could be substantially reduced.

“George Eustice, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries & Food, recently described his vision for post- Brexit agricultural policy within the UK as a ‘change in mindset for farmers’.

“The minister stated that he saw new policy as ‘rewarding and incentivising farmers for what they do, and not subsidising them for income lost’ and indicated that the Government will still seek to support farmers, not based on the amount of land they own, but by rewarding them for helping the environment, water quality and changes in husbandry; ultimately making more productive working practises.”

Needless to say, this fundamental change would have a significant impact, and the aim of the debate was to help farming businesses move forward.

He added that Geoff Hall, from Lloyds, would talk about how banks could support farmers through secured lending and cash flow support.

Another speaker, Tom Bayston, will be illustrating how he’s diversified from his core livestock business to safeguard the future of his farm.

Mr Britton said: “Ultimately, we’ll be discussing what reduced subsidy looks like, what it means it terms of profit and loss for farmers, and how, if you’re a farmer or a landowner, why you’re in a prime position to provide long-term security and stability to yourself and your business.”

The Great Yorkshire Show runs from July 10 to 12.