Cumbria is the second largest producer of both red meat and milk of all the counties in England. Nestled within the valleys of Lakeland, along the East Fellside of the Pennines and the fertile pastures of the coastal plains, tenant farmers are the backbone of farm production and also manage the landscapes so beloved of 20 million visitors annually.

Now with the introduction of new Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELM), generous tree planting schemes, and the potential of increased liability towards Inheritance Tax on privately owned estates, many of those estates are moving swiftly to take land back in hand from tenants or offering a contract rather than a tenancy for them to work the land. Put simply, the future of tenant farming is extremely challenging at present.

With concern growing fast within the tenant farming sector, The Farmer Network and the Tenant Farmers Association teamed up this week to “talk tenancies”. A packed room at the Gavel, Penrith Auction Mart saw tenant farmers from across Cumbria come together for a briefing session and to share thoughts and experiences as many are having difficult conversations with landlords or have already been served notices to quit.

Adam Day, Managing Director of the Farmer Network introduced TFA Chief Executive,George Dunn, and current TFA National Chair, Robert Martin, a Cumbrian farmer. George gave an overview of the recommendations from the Rock Tenancy Review report which was commissioned by government. He then moved on to discuss the various types of tenancy under which today’s farmers occupy land.

Then Farmer Network Chair Rob Hitch, a partner of Dodd & Co Accountants, and Catherine Stokes, County Advisor with the National Farmers Union, joined a panel discussion with George Dunn. They ran through several scenarios that Cumbrian tenants are currently facing in discussions with landlords.

Finally, an open Q&A session gave the opportunity for farmers in the room to ask a range of questions mostly based on personal experience. The panel was in most cases able to give constructive advice to help them in their discussions or responses to landlords who are asking for change. Both George and Catherine agreed that government needed clear evidence of situations where farmers feel they are being treated unfairly. The farmers were reassured that this could be reported anonymously.

At the close of the meeting Adam summed up the panels advice to farmers facing difficult or challenging discussions with landlords: –

1. Take time to think carefully through what is being asked or suggested.
2. Take professional advice especially if notices have been served.
3. Understand all of your options.
4. Compile your wish-list and be prepared to negotiate. It is a two-way street.

Commenting on the meeting George Dunn said, “The farmers were clearly and understandably worried and frustrated by what is happening. However, they left with new ideas about how they can work towards positive solutions. We now need landlords to come to the table for constructive talks.

Adam Day agrees saying, “It is clear that the farmers viewed the meeting positively and we have given them food for thought. We must remember that this is mostly new ground. All of the organisations present are keen to work together to ensure that these farming families have the support they need. Cumbria needs viable, sustainable farming and these tenant farming families should be a large part of that future”.

 Editors Notes:

•  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 in future 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
• The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is the only organisation dedicated to representing the interests of farmers who do not own the land they use to farm. From traditional tenancies and Farm Business Tenancies through to share farming, contract farming and grazing licences, the TFA lobbies at all levels of Government, offering expert advice, information and support to assist your farm business.  For media enquiries, contact Julia Meadows, TFA Communications and Events Coordinator, on 0118 930 6130 or 07887 777157.