Success for NFU as future of tenant farmers is secured in Staffordshire
Wednesday March 19 2008
The future of tenant farmers across Staffordshire has been safeguarded after the County Council decided to back down over plans to sell off 121 tenant farms as part of a major review of its property. The decision is a major success for the NFU which has lobbied the council on the importance of the farms to the county's rural community and economy.
The revised plans, following a four month consultation period, will see most of the council's 8,700 acre holding retained with £1m invested over the next five years. It will deliver opportunities for low cost housing, climate change busting energy generation schemes, and opportunities for children and the community to learn about and get more involved in food and farming on their doorstep.
NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: "This is very welcome news. We are absolutely delighted that Staffordshire County Council, after careful consideration on the future of its agricultural estate, has clearly listened to our views and those of the agricultural industry in Staffordshire. We lobbied hard on this and farmers across Staffordshire made their voices heard to show why the county farms estate is so important to the local economy and to the countryside.
"The tenanted farms across the county form a key part of Staffordshire's rural landscape and support other local businesses including abattoirs, markets and the entire agricultural economy. They are a golden asset and also allow younger people without huge amounts of capital a chance to get into the farming industry.
"It is telling that the report recommends the County Council retains a close relationship with the NFU over the future management of the estate, a reflection of the balanced lobbying and the increasing importance that can be found in an agricultural estate, something the NFU looks forward to being involved with the council on."
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