Top legal adviser to farmers appointed to RPA appeals panel

David Lodder
David Lodder

Head of the agriculture department at Lodders Solicitors, David Lodder, is to play a part in deciding appeals on Rural Payments Agency (RPA) decisions in a new role on the Independent Agricultural Appeals Panel (IAAP).

David, a partner at Lodders, which has offices in Stratford upon Avon, Henley in Arden and Cheltenham, specialises in advising farming businesses and landowners, and also owns a 150-acre pasture farm in Warwickshire.

He is one of only three practicing lawyers to join the panel out of the 36 new recruits that join the IAAP’s 14 existing members. The panel appointment is for a three-year period effective immediately until 30 September 2017.

Named by Chambers UK Guide to the Legal Profession as being ‘resolutely loyal to the grassroots farming community’, David has long been involved in the agricultural sector. He regularly lectures on agricultural topics, is a member of the National Farmers Union and the Agricultural Law Association, sits on the Board of the Country Land and Business Association, and has previously chaired the Business and Rural Economy and Legal & Parliamentary Committees.

He is also former Chairman of the Warwickshire branch of the Game & Wildlife Trust and has been Under Sheriff of Warwickshire since 2004.

The IAAP is an advisory non-departmental public body of Defra and advises ministers on the merits of decisions taken by the RPA in relation to payments under a wide range of schemes in the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP). It meets to consider appeals from farmers and traders against decisions made by the RPA in administering the schemes it operates. Farming minister George Eustice, then makes the final decision, taking account of the panel’s recommendations.

Commenting on his appointment to the IAAP, David said: “CAP rules are changing from the 1 January 2015, and a rise in the number of appeals is predicted in the wake of these. The panel has been bolstered to assist with hearing these appeals and supporting the RPA and Defra with their decisions.

“Being appointed to the panel presents me with a great opportunity to get under the skin of the nitty gritty issues of the farming industry. Being at the coal face of the agricultural schemes and individual issues will further enhance the firm’s empathy and understanding when advising our landowner and agricultural business clients.”

The RPA work helps Defra to encourage a thriving farming and food sector, and strong rural communities. The RPA makes CAP support payments, traces livestock and carries out inspections.

Under the new CAP, farming, wildlife, rural businesses and the wider economy in England are set to benefit from £15 billion in funding. Defra is developing CAP schemes to reflect the new requirements including those relating to greening, the active farmer test, hill farmers and young farmers.