The NFU has been lobbying for over five years for Councils to stop selling off County Farm estates and this was underlined at its national Tenants conference, particularly in regard to Herefordshire as a case in point.
The NFU President Meurig Raymond says government action is needed at all levels on this as these farms are critical for the future of UK food production.
He warned: “When you sell the family silver there’s no more silver left to sell. Our members, especially those in Herefordshire, need the government to pressurise councils on the selling of County Farms.
“It’s clear that these measures from County Councils are incredibly short-sighted and they only serve to fix short-term cash flow problems. We can see tenant farmers are currently going through turmoil because of this.
TV presenter Tom Heap described a County Farm as an ‘essential first run’ on Countryfile last night (Sunday 11 Dec) and Mr Raymond couldn’t agree more:
“County Farms serve an important role in allowing that first foot on the ladder for new entrants. Some very entrepreneurial farmers started their careers on a County Farm and without that first tenancy they would not be farming today.
“The industry urgently needs new entrants – these are the people who will be crucial in tackling the nation’s long-term food security needs.”