Farmers invited to discuss rent changes at county shows
The shows are a useful way for farmers to access advice
Changes to commercial property rents are expected to be among the issues discussed with farmers at two Shropshire agricultural shows this summer.
Legal experts from FBC Manby Bowdler will be attending Burwarton Show on August 6 and Minsterley Show on August 15, where they will meet farmers and rural communities to discuss some of the challenges facing the sector.
One of the key topics is expected to be a forthcoming ban on upward-only rents in commercial property leases.
The change, introduced through the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026, will affect commercial leases in England and Wales and will allow rents to move both upwards and downwards depending on market conditions.
The firm said the changes could be particularly relevant to farmers who have diversified their businesses by renting out commercial premises.
Tom Devey, partner in the agricultural and rural services team at FBC Manby Bowdler, said the shows provided an opportunity to hear directly from farmers about the issues affecting them.
“There is a change coming into force next year on upward-only rents in commercial property leases, and this is going to have an impact for farmers acting as landlords of diversified property,” he said.
“There are a host of other things happening over the next year too, such as changes to the new Sustainable Farming Incentive, and of course we had the changes to inheritance tax earlier this year.”
He added that the shows were a useful way for farmers to access advice while going about their busy schedules.
“We know how busy farmers are and it is not always easy for them to make their way to our offices to discuss any issues, but the summer shows offer up the perfect opportunity to meet them and the general public,” he said.
Other issues expected to be discussed include agricultural tenancies, succession planning, diversification and changes affecting farm businesses.
FBC Manby Bowdler will be at Burwarton Show alongside Berrys and EFG Harris Allday, and at Minsterley Show alongside Dyke Yaxley.