In September 2025, The Government appointed its first ever English Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector. In England, 45% of holdings are either wholly tenanted or mixed tenure, and a third of all agricultural land is tenanted. For generations tenant farmers have formed the backbone of the industry particularly in the Northern counties and especially in upland areas such as the Lake District and the Pennines.

At the invitation of the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) working in partnership with The Farmer Network, Commissioner Alan Laidlaw is to attend an open meeting for Cumbria’s tenant farmers on 27th January. During the meeting, the Commissioner will explain his role, his hopes and aspirations for tenant farmers now and in future.

Farmers will also be able to take part in a Q&A session during the meeting, and it is hoped that they will share any concerns, worries, current experiences and also examples of good practice that are enabling them to work well with landlords.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday 27 January at the Gavel Restaurant, Penrith Auction Mart commencing 6:30pm.

TFA National Chair, Robert Martin, who will be giving an update on the work of the Association, says: “We held a similar meeting with the Farmer Network in the same room, almost two years ago and even though it was lambing time, the room was full, and the discussions with farmers were open and forthright. The tenanted farm sector has continued to evolve since then and we must keep the discussions going to ensure the Commissioner is fully briefed and up to date”.

Farmer Network Managing Director, Adam Day, will be chairing the Q&A session. He is looking forward to welcoming farmers to the meeting. He says: “This a tenant farmer-only meeting. We know that many tenants, particularly in the uplands are under pressure and facing an increasingly uncertain future. This will be a chance to share information with the Commissioner or just to listen to what others in the sector are saying and experiencing at present. I think it is a great opportunity”.

Tenant Farmers are encouraged to book a place early, as numbers will be limited to room capacity. To register and book a free place, click here:

Email: admin@thefarmernetwork.co.uk or
Telephone: 01768 868615

Tea and coffee refreshments will be available, and the bar will be open.

-Ends-

MR26/01
08 January 2026

Notes to the Editor:

For media enquiries, contact Julia Meadows, TFA Communications and Events Coordinator, on a or 07887 777157.

The Farmer Network Ltd is an independent, non-profit, farmer-led organisation that provides help and support to farmers and their businesses in Cumbria, the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland, whatever the challenge or opportunity they may face. For more general information about the Network, contact Adam Day, Managing Director on 01768 868615 or adam@thefarmernetwork.co.uk