A newly launched farmer-owned, farmer-led cooperative, North York Moors and Vales Environmental Farmers Group (EFG),has welcomed local accountants Smailes Goldie as its latest partner.
Created to give farmers a stronger voice and additional support with natural capital opportunities, North York Moors and Vales EFG has already brought together farmers and landowners across the region, who manage more than 8,000 hectares.
With a team of specialist ARA experts, Smailes Goldie has chosen to lend its knowledge and support to the group, as it looks to grow its membership locally.
Built on a successful national model, EFG was first created by farmer clusters in southern England and now represents farmers managing more than 400,000 hectares.
By negotiating on behalf of members, EFG helps secure fair value for farmers who are looking to use their land to sell biodiversity units, nitrate credits and a number of other natural capital opportunities, thereby providing a new source of income for farms, while helping buyers access high-quality natural capital outcomes at scale.
Victoria Shannon, Partner at Smailes Goldie, said: “We were very impressed with what North York Moors and Vales EFG is trying to achieve for the local farming community and we are proud to be part of their campaign to raise awareness of new income streams for farms and the wider support that comes with being a member.
“Farms continue to face a number of challenges, not least the rising cost of suppliers and fuel. Creating a collective where farmers can share knowledge and benefit from the environmental work that forms part of responsible land management is something we were keen to support.”
North York Moors and Vales EFG said that, as a new group, building membership, local relationships and delivery capacity is critical, making partnerships with trusted professional advisers and organisations, such as Smailes Goldie, particularly valuable.
Isobel Eames, Local Lead for North York Moors and Vales Environmental Farmers Group, said: “Smailes Goldie are a great example of the kind of local partnership we would like to build. They understand the farming community, are committed to supporting farm resilience and helping farmers navigate a changing agricultural landscape.”
The EFG, in partnership with Smailes Goldie, is hosting an event on Soil Carbon in Practice on 18 November at Kirkbymoorside Golf Club, which will provide a practical introduction to soil carbon, key considerations for farmers and how EFG can support farmers in navigating the emerging market.
During the session, Smailes Goldie will also lead a session on the financial and tax considerations farmers should discuss with their accountant before entering a natural capital agreement.
“We want to make natural capital opportunities practical and useful for farmers. Soil carbon is generating significant interest, but also a lot of questions,” added Isobel.
“This event is designed to give farmers a clear understanding of the opportunities, considerations and how EFG can support them. We’re delighted that Smailes Goldie will be sharing its expertise at our Soil Carbon in Practice event.”
Farmers and industry professionals interested in learning more about North York Moors and Vales EFG or who want to attend the Soil Carbon in Practice event on the 18th November can contact local lead Izzy Eames at ieames@gwct.co.uk.
