IT'S that time of year again - with those involved in the rural and agricultural sector looking forward to the Royal Northern Spring Show, being held at Thainstone on Wednesday February 24.
The Spring Show has always been regarded as an important business day for the agricultural sector.
Historically, it would have been an occasion to commit to orders for seed, spray and fertiliser for the year ahead, and whilst nowadays most won’t be buying their seed at the show, it is still Scotland’s first major event to do business in the farming calendar.
It is a superb day and provides a great opportunity for those involved in the rural and agricultural trade to market their products and services, with organisations coming from near and far to promote their businesses.
Whilst nowadays most attendees may have already bought their seed for the coming year, the Spring Show is still a good chance to think about the year ahead and the ever impending date in May for submission of the Single Application Form.
Cross compliance for 2016 has already begun, and those intending to make a claim under the Basic Payment Scheme should consider whether all of the crucial documentation is in place to ensure the best chance of a successful claim.
Now is the time to be thinking about share or contract farming arrangements, seasonal grass lets, joint venture agreements, and the necessary paperwork that goes along with them.
A valid and binding agreement should be entered into between parties setting out the parameters, obligations and responsibilities of each party in terms of the arrangement in question – it doesn’t have to be complicated, and there is a lot to be said for keeping it simple.
A number of disputes arise every year which could be avoided with a bit of forward thinking, planning and well drafted documentation.
In terms of the Spring Show, it shouldn’t just be about business and whilst it does provide a useful arena to meet clients, customers and contemporaries - it is also an excellent opportunity to catch up with friends in the industry.
Brodies LLP is always delighted to support the Royal Northern Agricultural Society and, like last year, we will be sponsoring the awards dinner again later on in the year.
Please visit the Royal Northern Spring Show website for more details.
Lynne Anderson
Associate, Land & Rural Business
Twitter: @BrodiesRural