Diversity is the key says Bell Ingram

THE news that current farm subsidies will continue for a further four years has given farmers and landowners a window in which to mitigate the expected significant reduction in farm subsidies, says Bell Ingram.

While the Brexit negotiations do not augur well for a farming system that is predicated upon subsidies, it would seem likely that in upland areas such as Argyll any future payments to farmers and landowners will be in the form of grants for conservation.

It is against this background that Bell Ingram is working with a number of clients on plans to diversify away from agriculture and into other profit centres. Just because a farm is rural doesn’t mean it can’t be a wellrun, diversified business incorporating activities that are not agriculture related.

The renewable energy sector has benefited from significant subsidies and Bell Ingram has been working with clients on hydro and wind power, and is now working on anaerobic digestion, energy barns and off-grid solutions.

Off-grid is one of the most exciting and potentially lucrative areas, particularly for private house developers.

The private rented sector continues to show strong demands, although rental growth is somewhat static on the West Coast.

There has also been an upturn in the demand for mobile phone mast sites, with several negotiations ongoing.

In these and in many other areas, Bell Ingram is working with clients to develop a coherent strategy and would be delighted to discuss ideas with clients both old and new.