NFU meets Tenants Farmers Association

The NFU has met with the Tenant Farmers’ Association (TFA) to discuss ways of working together more closely to secure the best deal for tenant farmers.

Last week’s meeting, the first for over a year, covered a wide range of issues including rent reviews, NVZ consultation, SPS payment problems, the CAP health check and the effect of the changes to the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG) Regulatory Reform Order (RRO).

There was a strong consensus that the two organisations should seek to work together wherever possible, particularly on issues relating to TRIG, to ensure the best possible outcome for tenant farmers.

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: “The meeting provided a useful opportunity to explore the issues facing the tenanted sector both in the short term and in the longer term. It is important that, wherever possible, we seek to find common ground and make common cause in representing our members.”

NFU tenants’ spokesman Peter Crozier added: “The tenanted sector is currently under severe pressure on issues like Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), demands for rent increases and further reform of the common agricultural policy. Tenants really need certainty and stability after what has been a tough 2007.”

TFA National Chairman Reg Haydon commented: “There are big issues facing the farming industry such as the implementation on new rules in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, badgers and bovine Tb, cost and responsibility sharing on animal disease and the future of the CAP upon which we need to have a common voice.”

Meanwhile, TFA National Vice Chairman Greg Bliss said: “Landlords have been quick to try to lift rent levels on farms on the back of improved commodity prices particularly for cereals. However, in many cases, the high market prices have not been reflected in what farmers have been receiving at the farm gate. We will be urging landlords to temper their demands accordingly.”


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