Cornwall Branch AGM Chairman's Report 2026

I am writing this at the end of February looking out through the rain at a horizontal old beech tree brought down by Storm Goretti a few weeks ago. It is a painful sight, and it has been a hard few weeks of clearing on the wet boggy ground. I know many across Cornwall have suffered far worse. However there are now, at last, some signs of spring.

The past year has felt much the same for the CLA - demanding and unpredictable. The sudden changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) in the 2024 Budget arrived without any consultation or warning, and the CLA has been working tirelessly and diligently to represent your interests.

While the government’s recent increase to the thresholds is welcome, many members family businesses will be devastated, particularly the most elderly landowners and, bizarrely the widows and widowers. Our work is far from finished, and the CLA continues to work closely with the NFU and TFA to press for fair and practical solutions.

APR is not the only issue facing the countryside. Devolution, public access, animal diseases, water regulation and land designations are all on the agenda and the CLA is actively lobbying on your behalf across these areas to ensure rural voices are heard clearly and constructively.

Right now the work and voice of the CLA has never been more important. Which means your membership has never been more significant or appreciated. Thank you for your continued support. It is not taken for granted.

Let us know of the issues you are facing, and please encourage your family, neighbours and friends to join the membership too. We have an elected urban-focused government - so a strong, considered and united rural voice has never been more necessary.

My sincere thanks go to Ann Maidment and her team for their tireless work throughout the year, and to our Branch’s Committee for ensuring Cornwall’s perspective is heard nationally. I would also like to thank Trish and Richard Stone for their kind invitation to Trevince and for sharing such a special place with us all.

It has been a hard-work winter, but there ARE signs of spring ahead - and opportunities to plant new trees and look forward with renewed purpose.

Ed Coode. Chairman, Cornwall Branch