The NFU has congratulated Alan Laidlaw on his appointment as the first Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector in England.
This independent role was a key recommendation within the Rock Review and will be crucial for improving fairness and collaboration across the agricultural tenancy sector.
The role, which is set to champion tenant farmers and promote stronger relationships in the sector, has been established to promote the standards set out in the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice.
The new Commissioner will work closely with Defra and the Farm Tenancy Forum – the government–industry group that advises Defra on supporting and improving the farm tenancy sector in England.
Investigating complaints, tracking trends, offering guidance, and reporting regularly on tenant-landlord relations are among the Commissioner's responsibilities.
Welcome support and clarity
Agricultural tenants and tenanted land have a vital role to play in delivering the government’s environmental and food production ambitions, and in growing our rural economy. Collaboration between tenants, landowners and their agents is vital to achieving this vision.
The NFU has long argued that areas of bad practice and conduct in the sector must be scrutinised to ensure fairness.
Welcoming the appointment of the new Commissioner, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: “We met up yesterday on farm and, as a tenant farmer myself, I was able to lay out the stark realities of being a tenant farmer in the current climate.
“Extreme weather, price volatility, the family farm tax and uncertainty around future environmental schemes, particularly for those in the uplands, has left many tenants feeling vulnerable and low in confidence.
“These factors are making it extremely difficult for tenant farmers to plan, invest and maintain business viability, leading to frustration and a desire for more support and clarity from government.”
Fostering collaboration
David was also joined on farm by Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds, who described the new Commissioner as “uniquely placed to strengthen relationships and drive-up standards across the sector”.
She added: “This appointment will provide an impartial voice between tenants and landowners to promote best practice and foster fair, collaborative relationships as we deliver on our Plan for Change to back farmers and build a sustainable future.”
The visit also provided an opportunity to further raise concerns around the impact of the inheritance tax proposals on family farms and the importance of a secure, domestic food supply.
“Farm visits are one of the best ways we can lobby and demonstrate the impact that government decisions can have on the ground,” David said. “I outlined the urgent need for government to champion and back British farming and invest in our sector to allow farmers and growers to produce more food, deliver on the government's environmental ambitions and grow their businesses.”
Unambiguous directives key to success
Since the formation of the role, the NFU has been clear in what it wants to see from the new Commissioner. David said the role “must be fiercely independent and without bias to landlords or tenants, working alongside the Code of Practice and the Farm Tenancy Forum with clear guidelines in place to define exactly what can or cannot be done and at what stage to become involved in disputes”.
“These are the clear tests on whether this appointment will be deemed a success,” he stressed.
“We look forward to working with Alan to ensure we have a resilient and fair tenanted sector in England, where tenant farmers are producing food, while driving economic growth, and delivering the government’s environmental ambitions.”
Fair, profitable and sustainable future
Alan comes to the role with more than 25 years’ experience in agriculture and land management, including more than a decade as part of the senior management team at The Crown Estate.
Responding to his appointment, Alan said: “I am honoured to be appointed as England’s first Commissioner for the tenant farming sector, supporting this vital sector with the fair framework it needs to thrive.
“We look forward to working with Alan to ensure we have a resilient and fair tenanted sector in England.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
“Having worked across farming, land management and the rural economy, I know how strong tenant-landlord relationships can drive innovation, resilience and shared success.
“I look forward to working with farmers, landlords and advisors to promote best practice, address challenges, and help build a fair, profitable and sustainable future for tenant farming in England.”
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