Sale of Cheshire West and Chester County farms

Sir,

We are very disappointed the executive committee of Cheshire West and Chester Council has made the decision to sell its county farms estate.

This decision is not good news for any new entrants wanting to enter the agricultural industry. At our tenants conference it was highlighted how important county farms are in providing starter and progression units for tenants to move on in an industry where demand for these farms outstrips supply considerably.

Council holdings occupy a unique position in the tenanted sector. They provide an opportunity for people to enter the land-based economy who would not be able to do so without the farms estate, as starter farms are not usually available through other landlords. This reflects the role of a council in promoting enterprise and providing opportunities for people to enter business. They play a vital role in sustaining the rural economy of local communities and help local authorities obtain "best value" in the management of their assets.

The recommendation at the meeting was that the council offer start up units for people who are living in the rural communities and need a rural base for their business. I am not sure that it has been considered by the councillor exactly how many rural barns have been converted to office and workshop space and now stand empty because there is less demand for these types of units.

We recognise the need that the council has for raising capital and the budgetary pressures they are under but we feel that there are opportunities for the Council to raise this capital without the need to withdraw the provision of County Council Holdings.

Meurig Raymond
Deputy President
NFU