A comprehensive understanding of agriculture is paramount for recognizing the broader economic, environmental, and social impacts of this primary sector. This knowledge extends to managing biological assets and farming practices.
Biological assets are living plants or animals, such as trees in a plantation or orchard, cultivated plants, sheep, and cattle. The term was introduced in International Accounting Standard (IAS) 41, Agriculture, which became operative from January 1, 2003. The rules for the accounting treatment of biological assets are set out in Section 34 of the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Farming, as defined by the Income Tax (Trading and Other Income) Act 2005, involves the occupation of land predominantly for the purpose of husbandry, excluding market gardening. Special tax provisions and reporting rules apply to farming activities.
An election to treat a production herd as a capital asset. The election is irrevocable and must be made within two years from the end of the first year of assessment or company accounting period for which the tax liability will be affected by the purchase of the herd.
A group of living animals or other livestock kept for their products, such as milk or wool, or for their young. It can be treated as a capital asset.
