BREXIT, business rates and plans for the coast path will be key challenges, says Susie Sheldon, chairman of the Country Landowners’ Association’s (CLA) Isle of Wight branch.
The CLA represents more than 30,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses in England and Wales.

"These are mammoth tasks to be resolved and the CLA has already been doing much work engaging with the government on behalf of landowners, farmers and rural businesses."
Another pressing issue for many rural businesses as the new year gets under way will be the effect of recent revaluations of business rates, she said.
"We are aware many rural businesses are facing significant increases in business rates and our concern is this does not act as a barrier to future investment in innovation and diversification."
Natural England will be starting consultations with landowners and farmers on the proposed route of the new coast path on the IW during 2017.
Mrs Sheldon says the path could have a significant effect on many rural businesses and other landowners, including those who do not have any public access to their land. Rural crime will also remain a significant concern for landowners and farmers in the year ahead, says Mrs Sheldon.
"It is good to see the new police and crime commissioner is holding a rural crime conference on the Island this spring and we will be continuing to work closely with Hampshire and IW Rural Crime Partnership on behalf of rural businesses across the Island."
And uncertainty looks set to continue in 2017 with regard to plans for devolution and the effect this decision could have on the Island’s rural businesses.
"It’s going to be a busy year and one in which the CLA’s voice on behalf of landowners, farmers and rural businesses will be more important than ever," she said.

Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk