The NFU has been working closely with the Energy Network Association (ENA) giving input on how the advisory arable payments are calculated. This is to ensure farmers are receiving an accurate payment to cover the cost of the interference caused by poles and pylons in fields. The new payments start this week.

The annual wayleave payment also includes an advisory rate for grassland, hedgerows and a landowner’s payment.

NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts said: “It’s pleasing that after many years of gathering data and the ENA developing calculations, the new advisory rates for arable land have now been published.

“We have been working long and hard with the ENA giving our input to their calculations to ensure farmers are paid correctly and accurately for the interference caused by these structures.

“The payment covers the losses incurred by farmers including time loss, area loss, yield loss, wasted inputs, weed control and health and safety. The last time the different inputs were looked at was in 1994 and it was clear that the changing practices on farm must be represented in these updated calculations.”

This document explains how the new occupier's payment covering arable operations which includes grass leys has been calculated.

:: The Energy Networks website also has a summary spreadsheet of all payments made under electric wayleave in England and Wales.

See also:

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• Download the new NFU App

• More of our work for members on utilities and infrastructure