IAS 41 : Agriculture Flashcards
Agriculture-related definitions 1
IAS 41 defines agricultural activity as ‘the management by an entity of the biological transformation and harvest of biological assets for sale or for conversion into agricultural produce or into additional biological assets’. [IAS 41.5].
IAS 41 defines agricultural activity as ‘the management by an entity of the biological transformation and harvest of biological assets for sale or for conversion into agricultural produce or into additional biological assets’. [IAS 41.5].
Agriculture-related definitions 2
The standard states that ‘agricultural activity’ covers a wide range of activities, e.g. ‘raising livestock, forestry, annual or perennial cropping, cultivating orchards andplantations, floriculture, and aquaculture (including fish farming)’. [IAS 41.6]
The standard states that ‘agricultural activity’ covers a wide range of activities, e.g. ‘raising livestock, forestry, annual or perennial cropping, cultivating orchards andplantations, floriculture, and aquaculture (including fish farming)’. [IAS 41.6]
Agriculture-related definitions 3
Agricultural activities have certain common features:
(a) Capability to change. Living animals and plants are capable of biological transformation;
(b) Management of change. Management facilitates biological transformation by enhancing, or at least stabilising, conditions necessary for the process to take place (for example, nutrient levels, moisture, temperature, fertility, and light). Such management distinguishes agricultural activity from other activities. For example, harvesting from unmanaged sources (such as ocean fishing and deforestation) is not agricultural activity; and
(c) Measurement of change. The change in quality (for example, genetic merit, density, ripeness, fat cover, protein content, and fibre strength) or quantity (for example, progeny, weight, cubic metres, fibre length or diameter, and number of buds) brought about by biological transformation or harvest is measured and monitored as a routine management function.’
[IAS 41.6].
Agricultural activities have certain common features:
(a) Capability to change. Living animals and plants are capable of biological transformation;
(b) Management of change. Management facilitates biological transformation by enhancing, or at least stabilising, conditions necessary for the process to take place (for example, nutrient levels, moisture, temperature, fertility, and light). Such management distinguishes agricultural activity from other activities. For example, harvesting from unmanaged sources (such as ocean fishing and deforestation) is not agricultural activity; and
(c) Measurement of change. The change in quality (for example, genetic merit, density, ripeness, fat cover, protein content, and fibre strength) or quantity (for example, progeny, weight, cubic metres, fibre length or diameter, and number of buds) brought about by biological transformation or harvest is measured and monitored as a routine management function.’
[IAS 41.6].
Agriculture-related definitions 4
Biological transformation under IAS 41 ‘comprises the processes of growth, degeneration, production, and procreation that cause qualitative or quantitative
changes in a biological asset’. [IAS 41.5].
Biological transformation under IAS 41 ‘comprises the processes of growth, degeneration, production, and procreation that cause qualitative or quantitative
changes in a biological asset’. [IAS 41.5].
Agriculture-related definitions 5
Biological transformation results in the following types of outcomes:
‘(a) asset changes through (i) growth (an increase in quantity or improvement in quality of an animal or plant), (ii) degeneration (a decrease in the quantity or deterioration in quality of an animal or plant), or (iii) procreation (creation of additional living
animals or plants); or
(b) production of agricultural produce such as latex, tea leaf, wool, and milk.’ [IAS 41.7].
Biological transformation results in the following types of outcomes:
‘(a) asset changes through (i) growth (an increase in quantity or improvement in quality of an animal or plant), (ii) degeneration (a decrease in the quantity or deterioration in quality of an animal or plant), or (iii) procreation (creation of additional living
animals or plants); or
(b) production of agricultural produce such as latex, tea leaf, wool, and milk.’ [IAS 41.7].
Agriculture-related definitions 6
IAS 41 defines the following additional terms that are used throughout the standard: [IAS 41.5]
• A biological asset is a living animal or plant.
• A group of biological assets is an aggregation of similar living animals or plants.
• Agricultural produce is the harvested product of the entity’s biological assets.
• Harvest is the detachment of produce from a biological asset or the cessation of a biological asset’s life processes.
• Costs to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an asset excluding finance costs and income taxes.
IAS 41 defines the following additional terms that are used throughout the standard: [IAS 41.5]
• A biological asset is a living animal or plant.
• A group of biological assets is an aggregation of similar living animals or plants.
• Agricultural produce is the harvested product of the entity’s biological assets.
• Harvest is the detachment of produce from a biological asset or the cessation of a biological asset’s life processes.
• Costs to sell are the incremental costs directly attributable to the disposal of an asset excluding finance costs and income taxes.
Definition of bearer plants 1
A bearer plant is defined as ‘a living plant that:
(a) is used in the production or supply of agricultural produce;
(b) is expected to bear produce for more than one period; and
(c) has a remote likelihood of being sold as agricultural produce, except for incidental scrap sales’. [IAS 41.5].
Determining whether an asset meets the definition of a bearer plant may not be entirely intuitive. Careful assessment will, therefore, be important. We believe that judgement is needed in the following areas:
A bearer plant is defined as ‘a living plant that:
(a) is used in the production or supply of agricultural produce;
(b) is expected to bear produce for more than one period; and
(c) has a remote likelihood of being sold as agricultural produce, except for incidental scrap sales’. [IAS 41.5].
Determining whether an asset meets the definition of a bearer plant may not be entirely intuitive. Careful assessment will, therefore, be important. We believe that judgement is needed in the following areas:
Definition of bearer plants 1a
• Used in the production or supply of agricultural produce.
Judgement may be needed to determine whether a plant is used in the production or supply of agricultural produce, rather than consumed in the process. For example, some plants that are generally thought of as consumable are harvested twice, but with the first harvest having the principal purpose of improving the yield of the second harvest. It is not clear whether the fact that there are two harvests is sufficient to make these plants bearer assets. For certain plants, new produce may be capable of being grown from various parts of the plant (e.g. pineapples). For others, the plant itself may be cut back and regrown. For example, after a harvest of bananas, the banana plant may be cut down to its base and re-grown the next year to produce more bananas. In such situations, judgement may be needed to determine which part of the plant might be the bearer plant (e.g. the banana palm or
the base).
• Used in the production or supply of agricultural produce.
Judgement may be needed to determine whether a plant is used in the production or supply of agricultural produce, rather than consumed in the process. For example, some plants that are generally thought of as consumable are harvested twice, but with the first harvest having the principal purpose of improving the yield of the second harvest. It is not clear whether the fact that there are two harvests is sufficient to make these plants bearer assets. For certain plants, new produce may be capable of being grown from various parts of the plant (e.g. pineapples). For others, the plant itself may be cut back and regrown. For example, after a harvest of bananas, the banana plant may be cut down to its base and re-grown the next year to produce more bananas. In such situations, judgement may be needed to determine which part of the plant might be the bearer plant (e.g. the banana palm or
the base).
Definition of bearer plants 1b
• Expected to bear produce for more than one period.
The definition of a bearer plant requires that a plant be expected to bear produce for more than one period. It would seem appropriate to think of an annual period in this context. However, the standard does not use this term, so an entity needs to consider if an interim period, a season or a production cycle (i.e. through to harvest) might also be appropriate.
• Expected to bear produce for more than one period.
The definition of a bearer plant requires that a plant be expected to bear produce for more than one period. It would seem appropriate to think of an annual period in this context. However, the standard does not use this term, so an entity needs to consider if an interim period, a season or a production cycle (i.e. through to harvest) might also be appropriate.
Definition of bearer plants qc
• Incidental scrap sales.
Whether the likelihood of the plant being sold as agricultural produce is remote is also a matter of judgement. However, it is intended to be a high hurdle. The standard does allow for the fact that there may
be some ‘incidental scrap sales’, but this term is not defined. The standard notes that bearer plants might be cut down and sold as scrap, (e.g. for firewood) at the end of their productive life and states that ‘such incidental scrap sales would not prevent the plant from satisfying the definition of a bearer plant’. [IAS 41.5B]. However, in the example given in the standard (i.e. firewood), it is reasonably evident that such sales would be ‘incidental’. Since no further guidance is given in the standard, entities need to apply judgement in determining what constitutes ‘scrap sales’ (e.g. would it include ad-hoc sales before the productive life has ended, such as selling trees removed while thinning?). Furthermore, the standard does not clarify at what level sales cease to be incidental and whether this is a qualitative or quantitative assessment. Therefore, judgement may
be needed.
• Incidental scrap sales.
Whether the likelihood of the plant being sold as agricultural produce is remote is also a matter of judgement. However, it is intended to be a high hurdle. The standard does allow for the fact that there may
be some ‘incidental scrap sales’, but this term is not defined. The standard notes that bearer plants might be cut down and sold as scrap, (e.g. for firewood) at the end of their productive life and states that ‘such incidental scrap sales would not prevent the plant from satisfying the definition of a bearer plant’. [IAS 41.5B]. However, in the example given in the standard (i.e. firewood), it is reasonably evident that such sales would be ‘incidental’. Since no further guidance is given in the standard, entities need to apply judgement in determining what constitutes ‘scrap sales’ (e.g. would it include ad-hoc sales before the productive life has ended, such as selling trees removed while thinning?). Furthermore, the standard does not clarify at what level sales cease to be incidental and whether this is a qualitative or quantitative assessment. Therefore, judgement may
be needed.
Definition of bearer plants 2
All of the above criteria need to be met for a plant to be considered a bearer plant.
The definition captures plants that would intuitively be considered to be bearers, for instance, grape vines. Some plants that may appear to be consumable, such as the root systems of perennial plants (e.g. sugar cane, bamboo or asparagus), but due to the perennial
nature of their root systems, they are expected to meet the definition of a bearer plant.
All of the above criteria need to be met for a plant to be considered a bearer plant.
The definition captures plants that would intuitively be considered to be bearers, for instance, grape vines. Some plants that may appear to be consumable, such as the root systems of perennial plants (e.g. sugar cane, bamboo or asparagus), but due to the perennial
nature of their root systems, they are expected to meet the definition of a bearer plant.
Definition of bearer plants 3
Annual crops and other plants that are held solely to be harvested as agricultural produce (e.g. many traditional arable crops such as maize, wheat and soya, as well as trees grown for lumber), are explicitly excluded from the definition of a bearer plant. In
addition, plants that have a dual use (i.e. plants cultivated to bear agricultural produce, but for which there is more than a remote likelihood that the plant itself will be harvested and sold as agricultural produce, beyond incidental scrap sales) are not bearer
plants. [IAS 41.5A]. This may be the case when, for example, an entity holds rubber trees to sell both the latex as agricultural produce and the trees as lumber.
Annual crops and other plants that are held solely to be harvested as agricultural produce (e.g. many traditional arable crops such as maize, wheat and soya, as well as trees grown for lumber), are explicitly excluded from the definition of a bearer plant. In
addition, plants that have a dual use (i.e. plants cultivated to bear agricultural produce, but for which there is more than a remote likelihood that the plant itself will be harvested and sold as agricultural produce, beyond incidental scrap sales) are not bearer
plants. [IAS 41.5A]. This may be the case when, for example, an entity holds rubber trees to sell both the latex as agricultural produce and the trees as lumber.
Definition of bearer plants 4
Bearer animals, like bearer plants, may be held solely for the produce that they bear. However, when IAS 41 was amended to exclude bearer plants from its scope, bearer animals were explicitly excluded from the amendments and continue to be accounted for under IAS 41 on the basis that the measurement model would become more complex if applied to such assets.
Bearer animals, like bearer plants, may be held solely for the produce that they bear. However, when IAS 41 was amended to exclude bearer plants from its scope, bearer animals were explicitly excluded from the amendments and continue to be accounted for under IAS 41 on the basis that the measurement model would become more complex if applied to such assets.
Definition of bearer plants 5
In addition to the considerations above, an entity may also need to reassess whether a plant meets the definition of a bearer plant after initial recognition. If a plant initially meets the definition of a bearer plant, but this subsequently changes, would IAS 41 then apply
instead of IAS 16? Neither IAS 16 nor IAS 41 address this question or specify how to transfer such assets between IAS 16 and IAS 41 (or vice versa). Once again, management will need to apply judgement in developing an accounting policy in these situations.
In addition to the considerations above, an entity may also need to reassess whether a plant meets the definition of a bearer plant after initial recognition. If a plant initially meets the definition of a bearer plant, but this subsequently changes, would IAS 41 then apply
instead of IAS 16? Neither IAS 16 nor IAS 41 address this question or specify how to transfer such assets between IAS 16 and IAS 41 (or vice versa). Once again, management will need to apply judgement in developing an accounting policy in these situations.
General definitions 1
IAS 41 defines the general terms it uses throughout the standard as follows: [IAS 41.8]
• Carrying amount is the amount at which an asset is recognised in the statement of financial position.
• Government grants are as defined in IAS 20 – Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance
Consumable biological assets are those biological assets that are to be harvested as agricultural produce or sold as biological assets, for example, where cows are bred as a food source, the resulting beef is agriculture produce. Such assets embody future
economic benefits. Bearer biological assets are self-regenerating assets other than consumable biological assets, for example dairy cattle rather than beef cattle, grape vines and fruit trees. Consumable and bearer biological assets generate net cash inflows for an
entity and therefore embody future economic benefits.
IAS 41 defines the general terms it uses throughout the standard as follows: [IAS 41.8]
• Carrying amount is the amount at which an asset is recognised in the statement of financial position.
• Government grants are as defined in IAS 20 – Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance
Consumable biological assets are those biological assets that are to be harvested as agricultural produce or sold as biological assets, for example, where cows are bred as a food source, the resulting beef is agriculture produce. Such assets embody future
economic benefits. Bearer biological assets are self-regenerating assets other than consumable biological assets, for example dairy cattle rather than beef cattle, grape vines and fruit trees. Consumable and bearer biological assets generate net cash inflows for an
entity and therefore embody future economic benefits.
General definitions 2
IFRS 13 – Fair Value Measurement – defines fair value as ‘the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date’. [IAS 41.8, IFRS 13.9]. Measuring fair value in
accordance with IFRS 13
IFRS 13 – Fair Value Measurement – defines fair value as ‘the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date’. [IAS 41.8, IFRS 13.9]. Measuring fair value in
accordance with IFRS 13
Scope 1
IAS 41 applies to most biological assets, agricultural produce at the point of harvest and government grants involving biological assets measured at fair value less costs to sell.
However, to be within the scope of IAS 41, these items must relate to agricultural activity. [IAS 41.1].
IAS 41 applies to most biological assets, agricultural produce at the point of harvest and government grants involving biological assets measured at fair value less costs to sell.
However, to be within the scope of IAS 41, these items must relate to agricultural activity. [IAS 41.1].
Scope 2
Agricultural activity refers to ‘the management by an entity of the biological transformation and harvest of biological assets for sale or for conversion into agricultural produce or into additional biological
assets’. [IAS 41.5]. It is important to note that this definition does not focus on the primary purpose of holding such assets or the number of sales that may result. In fact, the definition refers to ‘sale or conversion’; therefore, an entity need not intend to sell the biological assets or agricultural produce in order for the entity to be undertaking agricultural activity. Furthermore, the standard contemplates an entity applying IAS 41 to assets that it will use itself; the Basis for Conclusions refers, as an example, to an entity
accounting for trees as biological assets within IAS 41 when it intends to use the harvested logs in the construction of a building for its own use. [IAS 41.B8].
Agricultural activity refers to ‘the management by an entity of the biological transformation and harvest of biological assets for sale or for conversion into agricultural produce or into additional biological
assets’. [IAS 41.5]. It is important to note that this definition does not focus on the primary purpose of holding such assets or the number of sales that may result. In fact, the definition refers to ‘sale or conversion’; therefore, an entity need not intend to sell the biological assets or agricultural produce in order for the entity to be undertaking agricultural activity. Furthermore, the standard contemplates an entity applying IAS 41 to assets that it will use itself; the Basis for Conclusions refers, as an example, to an entity accounting for trees as biological assets within IAS 41 when it intends to use the harvested logs in the construction of a building for its own use. [IAS 41.B8].
Scope 3
IAS 41 explicitly excludes the following assets from its scope: [IAS 41.2]
• bearer plants (see 2.2.1.A above), which are within the scope of IAS 16 however, produce growing on a bearer plant is still within the scope of IAS 41;
• government grants that relate to bearer plants, to which IAS 20 applie;
• land related to agricultural activity, which should be accounted for under either IAS 16 or IAS 40 – Investment Property ; [IAS 41.B55-B57]
• intangible assets related to agricultural activity, for instance the costs of developing new disease resistant crops, which should be accounted for under IAS 38 –
Intangible Assets (see Chapter 17); [IAS 41.B58-B60] and
• right-of-use assets arising from a lease of land related to agricultural activity, which is accounted for under IFRS 16
IAS 41 explicitly excludes the following assets from its scope: [IAS 41.2]
• bearer plants (see 2.2.1.A above), which are within the scope of IAS 16 however, produce growing on a bearer plant is still within the scope of IAS 41;
• government grants that relate to bearer plants, to which IAS 20 applie;
• land related to agricultural activity, which should be accounted for under either IAS 16 or IAS 40 – Investment Property ; [IAS 41.B55-B57]
• intangible assets related to agricultural activity, for instance the costs of developing new disease resistant crops, which should be accounted for under IAS 38 –
Intangible Assets (see Chapter 17); [IAS 41.B58-B60] and
• right-of-use assets arising from a lease of land related to agricultural activity, which is accounted for under IFRS 16
Biological assets outside the scope of IAS 41
Biological assets may be outside the scope of IAS 41 when they are not used in agricultural activity. For example, animals in a zoo (or game park) that does not have an active breeding programme and rarely sells any animals or animal products would be outside the scope of the standard. Another example is activities in the pharmaceutical industry that involve the culture of bacteria. Such activity would not fall within the scope of IAS 41. While the bacteria may be considered a biological asset, the development of a culture by a pharmaceutical company would not constitute agricultural activity. Biological assets outside the scope of IAS 41 will normally fall within the scope of either
IAS 16 or IAS 2 – Inventories.
Biological assets may be outside the scope of IAS 41 when they are not used in agricultural activity. For example, animals in a zoo (or game park) that does not have an active breeding programme and rarely sells any animals or animal products would be outside the scope of the standard. Another example is activities in the pharmaceutical industry that involve the culture of bacteria. Such activity would not fall within the scope of IAS 41. While the bacteria may be considered a biological asset, the development of a culture by a pharmaceutical company would not constitute agricultural activity. Biological assets outside the scope of IAS 41 will normally fall within the scope of either
IAS 16 or IAS 2 – Inventories.
Agricultural produce before and after harvest 1
IAS 41 only applies to agricultural produce (i.e. harvested produce) at the point of harvest; not prior or subsequent to harvest. Under IAS 41, unharvested agricultural produce is considered to be part of the biological asset from which it will be harvested. Therefore, before harvest, agricultural produce should not be accounted for separately from the biological asset from which it comes. For example, milk is accounted for as part of the dairy cow right up to
the moment at which the cow is milked.
IAS 41 only applies to agricultural produce (i.e. harvested produce) at the point of harvest; not prior or subsequent to harvest. Under IAS 41, unharvested agricultural produce is considered to be part of the biological asset from which it will be harvested. Therefore, before harvest, agricultural produce should not be accounted for separately from the biological asset from which it comes. For example, milk is accounted for as part of the dairy cow right up to the moment at which the cow is milked.
Agricultural produce before and after harvest 2
Subsequent to harvest, agricultural produce is accounted for under IAS 2 or another standard, if applicable. [IAS 41.3]. Under IAS 2, agricultural produce is initially recognised as inventory at its fair value less costs to sell (measured in accordance with IAS 41), which becomes its cost for IAS 2 purposes.
[IAS 41.B41, B45].
Subsequent to harvest, agricultural produce is accounted for under IAS 2 or another standard, if applicable. [IAS 41.3]. Under IAS 2, agricultural produce is initially recognised as inventory at its fair value less costs to sell (measured in accordance with IAS 41), which becomes its cost for IAS 2 purposes.
[IAS 41.B41, B45].
Bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer plant 1
IAS 41 explicitly excludes bearer plants from its scope; instead IAS 16 applies to these assets.
However, the produce growing on a bearer plant remains within the scope of IAS 41. [IAS 41.2(b)].
IAS 41 explicitly excludes bearer plants from its scope; instead IAS 16 applies to these assets.
However, the produce growing on a bearer plant remains within the scope of IAS 41. [IAS 41.2(b)].
Bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer
plant 2
Entities will need to carefully assess which of its plants meet the definition of a bearer plant. This is because the scope exclusion, while focused on the definition of a bearer plant, also affects the accounting treatment for the produce growing on a bearer plant and any related government grants.
Bearer plants and their agricultural produce are considered to be two separate assets for accounting purposes (i.e. two units of account), with different measurement models being applied under different standards.
Entities will need to carefully assess which of its plants meet the definition of a bearer plant. This is because the scope exclusion, while focused on the definition
of a bearer plant, also affects the accounting treatment for the produce growing on a bearer plant and any related government grants.
Bearer plants and their agricultural produce are considered to be two separate assets for accounting purposes (i.e. two units of account), with different measurement models being applied under different standards.
Bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer
plant 3
In developing the requirements for bearer plants, the Board noted that bearer plants are held by an entity solely to grow produce over their productive life, similar to plant and equipment and, therefore, do not directly affect the entity’s future cash flows. As a result, it decided that bearer plants should be treated as property, plant and equipment in accordance with IAS 16.
However, the IASB believes that ‘the same argument is not true for the produce growing on the bearer plants that is undergoing biological transformation until it is harvested (for example, grapes growing on a grape vine).
In developing the requirements for bearer plants, the Board noted that bearer plants are held by an entity solely to grow produce over their productive life, similar to plant and equipment and, therefore, do not directly affect the entity’s future cash flows. As a result, it decided that bearer plants should be treated as property, plant and equipment in accordance with IAS 16.
However, the IASB believes that ‘the same argument is not true for the produce growing on the bearer plants that is undergoing biological transformation until it is harvested (for example, grapes growing on a grape vine).
Bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer
plant 4
The Board observed that the produce is a consumable biological asset growing on the bearer plant and the growth of the produce directly increases the expected revenue from the sale of the produce. Consequently, fair value measurement of the growing produce
provides useful information to users of financial statements about future cash flows that an entity is expected to realise’. [IAS 41.BC4B].
The Board also indicated that such produce
ultimately has a market value on its own, whereas the bearer plants on which they grow generally do not. As such, the Board decided that produce growing on a bearer plant should remain within the scope of IAS 41, which is expected to keep consistency between produce growing in the ground and produce growing on a bearer plant. [IAS 41.BC4A-BC4D]
The Board observed that the produce is a consumable biological asset growing on the bearer plant and the growth of the produce directly increases the expected revenue from the sale of the produce. Consequently, fair value measurement of the growing produce
provides useful information to users of financial statements about future cash flows that an entity is expected to realise’. [IAS 41.BC4B].
The Board also indicated that such produce
ultimately has a market value on its own, whereas the bearer plants on which they grow generally do not. As such, the Board decided that produce growing on a bearer plant should remain within the scope of IAS 41, which is expected to keep consistency between produce growing in the ground and produce growing on a bearer plant. [IAS 41.BC4A-BC4D]
Products that are the result of processing after harvest
IAS 41 does not deal with the processing of agricultural produce after harvest. The standard makes it clear that, even if the processing is considered ‘a logical and natural extension of agricultural activity, and the events taking place … bear some similarity to biological transformation, such processing is not included within the definition of agricultural activity’. [IAS 41.3].
For example, the process of brewing beer – in which yeast (a fungus) converts sugars into alcohol – would not meet the definition of agricultural activity in the standard. Similarly, cheese production would fall outside the definition of agricultural activity.
IAS 41 does not deal with the processing of agricultural produce after harvest. The standard makes it clear that, even if the processing is considered ‘a logical and natural extension of agricultural activity, and the events taking place … bear some similarity to biological transformation, such processing is not included within the definition of agricultural activity’. [IAS 41.3].
For example, the process of brewing beer – in which yeast (a fungus) converts sugars into alcohol – would not meet the definition of agricultural activity in the standard. Similarly, cheese production would fall outside the definition of agricultural activity.
Leases of biological assets (excluding bearer plants)
Leases involving biological assets are common in many jurisdictions, for example, the leasing of a sheep farm, where the lessee rents the farm, including the land, sheep and other assets, tends the sheep and sells the wool.
Whether or not a leased biological asset (other than a leased bearer plant) is within the scope of IAS 41 will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. It will also depend on whether an entity is applying IFRS 16.
Leases involving biological assets are common in many jurisdictions, for example, the leasing of a sheep farm, where the lessee rents the farm, including the land, sheep and other assets, tends the sheep and sells the wool.
Whether or not a leased biological asset (other than a leased bearer plant) is within the scope of IAS 41 will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each arrangement. It will also depend on whether an entity is applying IFRS 16.
Leases of biological assets under IFRS 16 1
IFRS 16 excludes from its scope the lessee accounting for leases of biological assets that are within the scope of IAS 41. [IFRS 16.3(b)]. The scope exemption in IFRS 16 does not specify whether the asset would be recognised in accordance with IAS 41; only that it is
an asset that would be within the scope of IAS 41. Nor does it explain how an entity would account for its lease liability since it is outside the scope of IFRS 16. Entities affected by this scope exemption will need
to use judgement to develop and appropriate accounting policy.
IFRS 16 excludes from its scope the lessee accounting for leases of biological assets that are within the scope of IAS 41. [IFRS 16.3(b)]. The scope exemption in IFRS 16 does not specify whether the asset would be recognised in accordance with IAS 41; only that it is an asset that would be within the scope of IAS 41. Nor does it explain how an entity would account for its lease liability since it is outside the scope of IFRS 16. Entities affected by this scope exemption will need to use judgement to develop and appropriate accounting policy.
Leases of biological assets under IFRS 16 2
It is important to note that leases of bearer plants that are within the scope of IAS 16 are not excluded from the scope of IFRS 16. ‘Consequently, leases of bearer plants such as orchards and vineyards held by a lessee are within the scope of IFRS 16’.
[IFRS 16.BC68(b)].
For lessors, leases of biological assets, including those within the scope of IAS 41, are within the scope of IFRS 16. A lessor would account for its leases as either operating or finance leases in accordance with IFRS 16. [IFRS 16.67-97].
When a lease of biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 is accounted for as an operating lease, the lessor continues to account for such biological assets under IAS 41.
It is important to note that leases of bearer plants that are within the scope of IAS 16 are not excluded from the scope of IFRS 16. ‘Consequently, leases of bearer plants such as orchards and vineyards held by a lessee are within the scope of IFRS 16’. [IFRS 16.BC68(b)].
For lessors, leases of biological assets, including those within the scope of IAS 41, are within the scope of IFRS 16. A lessor would account for its leases as either operating or finance leases in accordance with IFRS 16. [IFRS 16.67-97].
When a lease of biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 is accounted for as an operating lease, the lessor continues to account for such biological assets under IAS 41.
Concessions 1
A concession typically involves a government, or other controlling authority, granting land to an entity, but requiring that the land be used for a specific purpose, for example, growing certain crops for a minimum period of time.
A concession typically involves a government, or other controlling authority, granting land to an entity, but requiring that the land be used for a specific purpose, for example, growing certain crops for a minimum period of time.
Concessions 2
The treatment of each concession will be dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. However, if the concession requires an entity to undertake agricultural activity, as defined in IAS 41, the biological assets (other than bearer plants) and agriculture produce will be within the scope of IAS 41. The grant received may also be within the scope of the standard. However, the land granted would be within the
scope of IAS 16 or IAS 40.
The treatment of each concession will be dependent on the specific facts and circumstances. However, if the concession requires an entity to undertake agricultural
activity, as defined in IAS 41, the biological assets (other than bearer plants) and agriculture produce will be within the scope of IAS 41. The grant received may also be within the scope of the standard. However, the land granted would be within the scope of IAS 16 or IAS 40.
Recognition
An entity recognises a biological asset (including produce growing on a bearer plant) or agricultural produce that is within the scope of IAS 41 only when: [IAS 41.10]
(a) it controls the asset as a result of past events;
(b) it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset will flow to the entity; and
(c) the fair value or cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
An entity recognises a biological asset (including produce growing on a bearer plant) or agricultural produce that is within the scope of IAS 41 only when:
[IAS 41.10]
(a) it controls the asset as a result of past events;
(b) it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the asset will flow to the entity; and
(c) the fair value or cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
Recognition - Control
In agricultural activity, an entity may evidence control by, for example, ‘legal ownership of cattle and the branding or otherwise marking of the cattle on acquisition, birth, or weaning’. [IAS 41.11].
In agricultural activity, an entity may evidence control by, for example, ‘legal ownership of cattle and the branding or otherwise marking of the cattle on acquisition, birth, or weaning’. [IAS 41.11].
Measurement - Biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 : Initial and subsequent measurement
A biological asset that is within the scope of IAS 41 (i.e. excluding bearer plants, but including produce growing on a bearer plant) is measured on initial recognition and at the end of each reporting period (subsequent) at its fair value less costs to sell, unless an entity can demonstrate at initial recognition that fair value cannot be measured reliably. [IAS 41.12].
In the latter case, the entity measures the biological asset at historic cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses,
unless fair value becomes reliably measureable.
A biological asset that is within the scope of IAS 41 (i.e. excluding bearer plants, but including produce growing on a bearer plant) is measured on initial recognition and at the end of each reporting period (subsequent) at its fair value less costs to sell, unless an entity can demonstrate at initial recognition that fair value cannot be measured reliably. [IAS 41.12].
In the latter case, the entity measures the biological asset at historic cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses,
unless fair value becomes reliably measureable.
Measurement - Biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 : Subsequent expenditure 2
Such expenditure may be expensed as incurred or capitalised as additions to the related biological asset. However, under the fair value model, the biological asset will be remeasured at the end of each reporting period. As such, any amounts capitalised will only
result in a reallocation between expenses and the fair value gain or loss for the biological asset.
Such expenditure may be expensed as incurred or capitalised as additions to the related biological asset. However, under the fair value model, the biological asset will be remeasured at the end of each reporting period. As such, any amounts capitalised will only result in a reallocation between expenses and the fair value gain or loss for the biological asset.
Measurement - Biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 : Subsequent expenditure 3
Therefore, an entity’s policy in relation to subsequent expenditure will have no effect on its equity or net profit or loss, although it will affect:
• the reconciliation of changes in the carrying amount of biological assets;
• the classification of the expenditure in the income statement as either an expense or as part of the net gain or loss on biological assets; and
• the presentation of investments in biological assets in the statement of cash flows.
Therefore, an entity’s policy in relation to subsequent expenditure will have no effect on its equity or net profit or loss, although it will affect:
• the reconciliation of changes in the carrying amount of biological assets;
• the classification of the expenditure in the income statement as either an expense or as part of the net gain or loss on biological assets; and
• the presentation of investments in biological assets in the statement of cash flows.
Measurement - Biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 : Subsequent expenditure 4
In our view, an entity should select an accounting policy for subsequent expenditure that is broadly consistent with the principles in other standards, such as IAS 16 and IAS 38. For example, in the case of livestock, an entity may expense maintenance costs,
such as routine vaccinations, while treating costs that increase the originally expected yield of the asset as capital expenditure.
For example, an entity must consider whether
it is appropriate to add costs that improve initially anticipated yields (such as additional vaccinations or feed supplements) to the carrying value of the asset.
In our view, an entity should select an accounting policy for subsequent expenditure that is broadly consistent with the principles in other standards, such as IAS 16 and IAS 38. For example, in the case of livestock, an entity may expense maintenance costs,
such as routine vaccinations, while treating costs that increase the originally expected yield of the asset as capital expenditure.
For example, an entity must consider whether
it is appropriate to add costs that improve initially anticipated yields (such as additional vaccinations or feed supplements) to the carrying value of the asset.
Measurement - Biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 : Subsequent expenditure 5
However, such additions would be adjusted at each period end when the biological asset concerned is
revalued to its new fair value. Judgement may be required to determine whether costs that take place after maturity (e.g. vaccinations or feed supplements) would be maintenance costs or improvements. Furthermore, care will be needed when costs are
related to both bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer plant or when it is not clear to which of those assets it relates.
However, such additions would be adjusted at each period end when the biological asset concerned is
revalued to its new fair value. Judgement may be required to determine whether costs that take place after maturity (e.g. vaccinations or feed supplements) would be maintenance costs or improvements. Furthermore, care will be needed when costs are
related to both bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer plant or when it is not clear to which of those assets it relates.
Measurement - Biological assets within the scope of IAS 41 : Subsequent expenditure 5
However, such additions would be adjusted at each period end when the biological asset concerned is
revalued to its new fair value. Judgement may be required to determine whether costs that take place after maturity (e.g. vaccinations or feed supplements) would be maintenance costs or improvements. Furthermore, care will be needed when costs are
related to both bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer plant or when it is not clear to which of those assets it relates.
However, such additions would be adjusted at each period end when the biological asset concerned is
revalued to its new fair value. Judgement may be required to determine whether costs that take place after maturity (e.g. vaccinations or feed supplements) would be maintenance costs or improvements. Furthermore, care will be needed when costs are
related to both bearer plants and produce growing on a bearer plant or when it is not clear to which of those assets it relates.
Measurement - Agricultural produce 1
Agricultural produce harvested from an entity’s biological assets should initially ‘be measured at its fair value less costs to sell at the point of harvest’.
[IAS 41.13].
The standard presumes that an entity can always reliably measure this amount and hence does not
permit valuation at historical cost. [IAS 41.32, B43].
Agricultural produce harvested from an entity’s biological assets should initially ‘be measured at its fair value less costs to sell at the point of harvest’.
[IAS 41.13].
The standard presumes that an entity can always reliably measure this amount and hence does not permit valuation at historical cost. [IAS 41.32, B43].
Measurement - Agricultural produce 2
The value resulting from initial measurement is subsequently used as cost in applying IAS 2 (if the agricultural produce is to be sold), IAS 16 (if harvested logs are used for the construction of a building.
[IAS 41.13, B8].
An important reason for requiring agricultural produce at the point of harvest to be measured at fair value was to ensure that the basis of measurement would be consistent with that of biological assets and to avoid inconsistent and distorted reporting of current period performance upon harvest of agricultural produce.
[IAS 41.B42].
The value resulting from initial measurement is subsequently used as cost in applying IAS 2 (if the agricultural produce is to be sold), IAS 16 (if harvested logs are used for the construction of a building.
[IAS 41.13, B8].
An important reason for requiring agricultural produce at the point of harvest to be measured at fair value was to ensure that the basis of measurement would be consistent with that of biological assets and to avoid inconsistent and distorted reporting of current period performance upon harvest of agricultural produce.
[IAS 41.B42].
Requirements for bearer plants in the scope of
IAS 16 .1
Bearer plants are subject to all of the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 16, including the following :
• before maturity, bearer plants must be measured at their accumulated cost, similar to the accounting treatment for a self-constructed item of plant and equipment before it is available for use; [IAS 16.22A] and
• after the bearer plant is mature, entities have a policy choice to measure the bearer plants using either the cost model or the revaluation model. [IAS 16.29].
It is important to note that : (see below)
Bearer plants are subject to all of the recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 16, including the following :
• before maturity, bearer plants must be measured at their accumulated cost, similar to the accounting treatment for a self-constructed item of plant and equipment before it is available for use; [IAS 16.22A] and
• after the bearer plant is mature, entities have a policy choice to measure the bearer plants using either the cost model or the revaluation model. [IAS 16.29].
It is important to note that : (see below)
Requirements for bearer plants in the scope of
IAS 16 .2
- if the revaluation model is selected, revaluations need to take place with sufficient regularity to ensure the carrying amount does not differ materially from the asset’s fair value had it been measured at the end of the reporting period; [IAS 16.22A]
- entities following either model need to determine the useful life of the bearer plant in order to depreciate it. The useful life needs to be re-evaluated each year;
[IAS 16.51] and - unlike biological assets within the scope of IAS 41, items of property, plant and equipment within the scope of IAS 16 are not scoped out of IAS 36 –
Impairment of Assets. Entities, therefore, need to assess whether there are indicators that a bearer plant is impaired at the end of each reporting period. If such indicators exist, the bearer plant will be subject to an impairment test in accordance with IAS 36.
[IAS 16.63, IAS 36.8-9]. An impairment loss will be
recognised if the carrying value is higher than the bearer asset’s recoverable amount (being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and its
value in use). [IAS 36.60].
- if the revaluation model is selected, revaluations need to take place with sufficient regularity to ensure the carrying amount does not differ materially from the asset’s fair value had it been measured at the end of the reporting period; [IAS 16.22A]
- entities following either model need to determine the useful life of the bearer plant in order to depreciate it. The useful life needs to be re-evaluated each year;
[IAS 16.51] and - unlike biological assets within the scope of IAS 41, items of property, plant and equipment within the scope of IAS 16 are not scoped out of IAS 36 –
Impairment of Assets. Entities, therefore, need to assess whether there are indicators that a bearer plant is impaired at the end of each reporting period. If such indicators exist, the bearer plant will be subject to an impairment test in accordance with IAS 36.
[IAS 16.63, IAS 36.8-9]. An impairment loss will be
recognised if the carrying value is higher than the bearer asset’s recoverable amount (being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs of disposal and its
value in use). [IAS 36.60].