Discount loans for farmers are latest offer from bank

• Aim to encourage sustainable farming

• Business, mortgage and development

• Partnership with LEAF farm assurance

Farm businesses wanting to become more sustainable can now receive discounts on loan fees thanks to a high street bank.

It follows the launch of the HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway which includes discounted loan arrangement fees for eligible growers and livestock producers on term lending amounts from £25,001.

Applicants must complete a LEAF Sustainable Farming Review or be businesses with LEAF Marque certification. The discount arrangement fees apply to flexible business loans, commercial mortgages and property development loans.

HSBC head of agricultural Banking Martin Hanson said the bank’s research showed that 70% of UK farms were making commitments to transition to sustainable practices – including schemes to support nature and biodiversity.

“By working with LEAF and future partners, we have the opportunity to directly support farmers who want to make sustainable choices,” said Mr Hanson.

Regular sustainable practices are already taking place with 38% of farmers regularly soil testing fields to inform fertiliser applications and 28% of HSBC dairy clients undertaking a carbon audit.

Investment

When HSBC asked farmers how they wanted to become more sustainable, survey respondents said they wanted to invest in renewables (54%), slurry storage (22%) and energy efficiency (20%).

LEAF director Clare Mike said LEAF Marque farmers were increasingly focused on incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. This included how to balance soil sensitivity, protect water, invest in renewables and boost biodiversity.

Ms Mike said: “Sustainability is high on the agenda for the UK’s agri sector, and the new HSBC Sustainable Farming Pathway can help many businesses in their transition journey.”

Eligibility criteria

LEAF Marque is an environmental assurance system recognising more sustainably farmed products. It is based on the sustainable farming principles of Integrated Farm Management (IFM).

This is a whole farm business approach that delivers more sustainable farming – mixing modern technology and traditional methods to deliver prosperous farming that enriches the environment and engages local communities.

The LEAF Sustainable Farming Review is a self-assessment online management tool to help farmers farm more sustainably. It helps farmers monitor performance and set targets for improvement across the whole farm.

Free student tickets to farm conference

The Institute of Agricultural Management (IAgrM) is offering free student places to its annual conference this autumn in London.

The National Farm Management Conference will look at how emerging farming systems, automation and artificial intelligence can benefit agriculture. It takes place on 7 November at the QEII Centre, Westminster.

IAgrM director Victoria Bywater says the free tickets will enable the next generation of agricultural professionals to engage with industry experts, gain insights into the future of farm management and network with stakeholders.

“We strongly believe in supporting young people in agriculture, and it’s vital we equip future professionals with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed,” she says.

“As an organisation, we’re proud to be able to invest in the future of the industry by offering free places to students, helping them prepare to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

To secure a free ticket, students should email events@iagrm.com.