The tenant farming sector has demanded the Government moves quickly to rectify its "failure" in addressing changes to the legislative framework for agricultural tenancies.
The recently-announced Agriculture Bill does not include the recommendations for legislative change presented to Government last autumn by the Tenancy Reform Industry Group (TRIG).
Instead, Defra have promised a consultation on possible changes.
The Tenant Farmers' Association (TFA) is now appealing for an "absolute commitment" from the Government for new legislation rather than "further warm words".
One of the TFA’s keystone recommendations is to encourage landlords to offer longer term farm business tenancies by restricting existing Inheritance Tax Agricultural Property Relief available for let agricultural land, only to those landlords prepared to let for 10 years or more.
Figures show that 85% of all farm business tenancies are let for 5 years or less, which the TFA says is unsustainable for the sector.
'Illogical'
Disappointment in the sector is compounded by the fact that Defra specifically asked for the advice and recommendations of TRIG on what changes would be needed to assist the tenanted sector of agriculture in the post-Brexit, economic environment.
But according to TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn it is "illogical" for the Government to ask for recommendations and then do nothing.
“We must have Government amendments to the Agriculture Bill to plug this gap or a commitment to an early, agricultural tenancies Bill,” said Mr Dunn.
The TFA is also submitting its representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, in advance of this year’s autumn budget statement.
“The Government has challenged the farming industry to achieve greater levels of productivity,” Mr Dunn added.
“The tenanted sector of agriculture accepts that challenge but needs the Government to play its part by bringing forward essential changes to tenancy legislation and taxation of land,” said Mr Dunn.
