The CLA

21/08/2026

We're looking forward to the Farm Business Innovation Show , taking place on 4-5 November at the NEC Birmingham. 🚜

As the UK's only event dedicated entirely to farm diversification, it brings together farmers, landowners, estate managers, rural entrepreneurs and businesses, helping them build more resilient and profitable futures.

Find out more and secure your place at the event today: https://www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk/

20/08/2026

Protecting the hub of many villages: the shop and pub. 🍻

The national picture sadly shows a decline in village shops and pubs, impacting rural communities throughout the UK. However, some CLA members are bucking the trend by investing in these vital local assets.

From Badminton Estate ’s reopening of a village pub and shop to innovative approaches from Chettle Village Store and The Colesbourne Inn , read about how these businesses can remain at the heart of community life: https://www.cla.org.uk/news/why-the-village-shops-and-pubs-still-matter/

Hear from CLA members who are securing the future of rural communities by keeping village pubs and shops alive

20/08/2026

Looking for your next career move? 🔎 Join the team helping to shape the future of the rural economy.

The CLA are currently recruiting for four exciting roles across England:
- Events Manager (Midlands)
- Executive Support (London)
- Rural Adviser / Surveyor (North)
- Rural Adviser / Surveyor (East)

If you're passionate about supporting rural businesses, influencing policy and making a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. Find out more and apply today 👇
https://www.cla.org.uk/about-cla/job-vacancies/

Career opportunities at the CLA

19/08/2026

Planning reforms takes a step forward. ↗️

Positive news for many rural property and business owners, as an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) confirms a number of wins secured by the CLA.

"The CLA has argued for years that planning reform must be front and centre of the Government’s plans to drive growth," says CLA President Gavin Lane. "And the new NPPF is a step in the right direction."

Read our response here and stay tuned for further analysis on how planning updates will impact you: https://www.cla.org.uk/news/new-nppf-first-step-towards-true-planning-reform/

CLA secures several lobbying wins, but concerns that heritage 'has taken a hit'

18/08/2026

A long-term strategy is needed to truly help farmers cope with drought and wildfires. 🌡️

Read our response to the government's latest funding announcement which, although welcomed, "needs to become a sustained programme, with planning and abstraction lined up in support." 👇

New government support to help farmers tackle drought is a positive step, but measures will fall short unless backed by sustained investment and strategy

18/08/2026

Heatwave warnings have heightened the appeal of wild swimming, but what does this mean for landowners? 🏊

If you have waterways on your land, our latest blog outlines your rights and responsibilities, the legal position on wild swimming and the liability issues to consider when managing water:

Drier weather brings with it more potential wild swimmers, so it’s important for landowners to be aware of their rights and the rights of swimmers. CLA National Access Adviser Claire Wright dives into the detail here

17/08/2026

"The government has reallocated existing money from the farming budget to help farmers combat drought," says CLA President Gavin Lane. "This is a welcome and pragmatic move, but little more than a temporary fix." 🚜

"The announcement is a step forward, but it will not change the reality that farming remains exceptionally difficult in this business environment, and in a country that does not have a plan climate change adaption.

"This needs to become a sustained programme, with planning and abstraction lined up in support."

Learn more about why the CLA has been fighting to ease restrictions on building farm reservoirs:
https://www.cla.org.uk/news/farm-reservoirs-why-removing-the-red-tape-can-help-food-security-and-climate-resilience/

14/08/2026

Are rising standing charges pushing up your rural business's energy bills? 📈

In its latest update, CLA Energy Services explains why these costs are increasing and shares practical steps that you can take to manage them.

Discover how expert advice could help you reduce unnecessary energy costs and take greater control of your energy bill:

Practical steps on how to reduce surging energy costs

13/08/2026

Smart farming is no longer a concept for the future. 🚜

From virtual fencing and drones to AI and data-driven decision making, technology is transforming the way rural businesses operate today.

New technologies promise time savings, improved productivity and better environmental management, but successful adoption requires careful planning and realistic expectations for farmers.

Featuring examples from OSCAM, Nofence, Monil, the Land App and Just Farm, read our latest article on farm tech to find out more: https://www.cla.org.uk/news/smart-farming/

Jack Chivers weighs up the latest advances in agri-tech, considering opportunity, caution and practical applications on-farm

13/08/2026

"Government has in effect banned the single-most important method of preventing wildfires," says the CLA's Jonathan Roberts.

"Put simply, they must reverse the policy immediately." Read more 👇

With temperatures forecast to hit 38C today, campaigners say the Government has ignored warnings that its policies have turned swathes of countryside into tinderboxes.