Amendments to IAS 41 and IAS 16: implications for accounting for bearer plants

Under IAS-IFRS standards agriculture activity is accounted for using a fair value model. In 2014, the IASB amended the accounting treatment for bearer plants with the aim to address some concerns that have emerged since the application of IAS 41. The amendments require that bearer plants be accounted for like property, plant and equipment (IAS 16). In this paper we analyse the theoretical aspects introduced by these amendments, moving from the IASB project. In particular we explain the reasons that led to these amendments and exploring whether all the concerns previously identified by accounting scholars and practitioners have been addressed. Moreover, we identify some possible obstacles to the practical application of the amendments to IAS 41.