NFU welcomes the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice

08 April 2024

NFU Deputy President David Exwood

NFU Deputy President David Exwood

Following the launch of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice NFU Deputy President David Exwood, who represents the NFU on the Farm Tenancy Forum, said: 

“A code of practice to help foster fairness, communication and good practice between landlords, tenants and agents is a really good start. It is something that we have been campaigning on for several years and will address poor conduct, whilst highlighting good practice.

"With 60% of NFU farm businesses being tenants, it was really important that tenant farmers’ views were well represented in the development of the code to help produce a standard that works for everyone. I encourage all tenants, landlords and their professional advisers to embrace the code and its key principles of clarity, communication and collaboration.

“Agricultural tenants and tenanted land play a vital role in delivering this government’s food production and environmental ambitions, and in growing our rural economies. We now need to see further recommendations from the Rock Review taken forward, including the creation of a Tenant Farming Commissioner who in a defined role could take up non-compliance with the new code.”

More information

  • Through the Farm Tenancy Forum, the NFU has been a key part of the creation of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice.
  • The NFU represents 72% of farmers in England and Wales. 60% of the organisation’s members are tenants in one form or another.
  • You can download the code at: Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England.