Growers need to be aware of the somewhat complicated rules governing passing on their property after they die.
Michael Bell of solicitors Whitehead Monckton told delegates at the BIFGA technical day that succession planning was important for growers to consider, particularly if they want to find ways around the large inheritance taxes that are applied to estates worth over £285,000.
Options include disposing of property via lifetime gifts, which represents an effective use of the nil rate band.
Growers with tenants on their land were also warned to be aware that the 2004 Housing Act comes into effect from April 6 this year. This means that residential tenancy deposits can only be taken and held if the procedure is done through the Tenancy Deposit Scheme. This is likely to mean extra paperwork for growers renewing or taking out new tenancies on their property.
Crucially, when it comes to disputes, which will now be adjudicated upon by an independent complaints examiner, the onus will be put on landlords to prove that damage has been done to a property before deductions can take place.
Empty management orders will also allow local housing authorities to take control over empty dwellings on farm land, which will be another factor for growers to take into account.