This week, Alan Laidlaw, the Governments new Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector visited Cumbria. On Tuesday night at the invitation of the Tenant Farmers Association and The Farmer Network, the commissioner attended a meeting of around 60 tenant farmers at the Gavel Restaurant, Penrith Auction.

Commissioner Laidlaw explained his role and urged the farmers to engage with him, share their fears, concerns and experiences both positive and negative, with regard to their relationships with landlords and their agents.

Without doubt, the most prevalent feeling in the room was that changes to Government policies and the introduction of wholly environmentally based support schemes had changed the working policies of many landed estates particularly in Cumbria. Many farmers expressed frustration that their confidence in the future and their ability to plan their businesses has been seriously eroded.

Several in the room had been served notices to quit on some or all of their land as landlords are looking to take their land back in hand to secure environmental payments for themselves. Several farmers expressed fear for the future of the next generation of younger farmers coming through.

TFA Chair, Robert Martin who also farms in Cumbria said, “We were delighted that Alan Laidlaw took up our invitation and through the candid discussions he had with our tenant farmers, I believe he has a very clear picture of the challenges that they are facing, particularly in this county. We trust he will be taking this back to Government. Tenant farming is a vital component to the future of farming for food production and managing the natural environment. This has great value to the landscapes, the rural economy and local communities”.

Farmer Network Managing Director, Adam Day chaired a protracted Q&A session during the meeting. He said, “I’ve spoken to several farmers since the meeting who were in the room and who gave very honest and forthright comments to the commissioner. The general feeling is that the role of the Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector is much needed, and there is hope and belief that their concerns and lived experiences will be reported back to policy makers. Many tenant farmers feel in limbo at the moment and are facing a very uncertain future. These are difficult times and this is what brought so many farmers to our meeting”.

-Ends-

MR26/03

29 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