Farm land rental question

[JessieEssex]

We have recently taken over a small farm business and are renting the land from the owner (who previously farmed it in the same way themselves). Does anybody know if I need to register myself as the farmer with DEFRA or if the land owner still holds that responsibility? I would ask the owner but they have been very hostile to any communication about the farm so I'd like to have some prior knowledge before I approach them! Thank you.

Have you asked DEFRA, Government Departments should be approachable and able to give advice. They have a Rural Services Helpline www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs (2/3rds down the page.)

Yes you need to speak to the rpa about cph numbers. Did the previous farmer claim subsidies? Every different type of animal you keep has to be registered, movements have to be recorded and you must notify the appropriate office. you need to be Registered with trading standards
all the government departments are very helpful but there’s a hell of lot of paperwork to do

@Respectforpeople thank you - I'll see where I get with them!

@tothemoonandbackbuses we don't have any livestock, just a specific crop. As far as I'm aware the previous owners didn't claim any subsidies

You’ll still need to speak to someone as there are surveys (compulsory) annually to record land use and there are plant/crop and fertiliser regulations but I keep livestock so not upto date on crop regs. AHPA are the ones to ring
I still think you’ll need to register the land as yours for farming purposes. Worst case is someone else registering it and claiming subsidies whilst you are farming it.