Tenant farmers 'need investment' to drive productivity after Brexit

The NFU President said the tenancy sector needs to look at smarter and more efficient ways to produce food
The NFU President said the tenancy sector needs to look at smarter and more efficient ways to produce food

Tenant farmers can increase their productivity and efficiency after Brexit providing the sector receives "much needed investment", according to the NFU.

At the NFU's Tenant Conference on Thursday (9 November), NFU President Meurig Raymond will make the case for investment to propel the sector into a drive for productivity.

The conference will look at how the tenanted sector can remain vibrant and fit for the future, particularly after the Brexit vote.

Prince Charles will also give a video address to the conference highlighting how important the tenanted sector is to the industry.

Mr Raymond said: “We need to look at smarter and more efficient ways to produce our food and for tenanted farms in particular this means investment.

“Brexit offers an opportunity moving forward to provide new funding in order to carry out improvements that help to increase farm productivity.

“It is vital for landlords to realise the importance of continued investment on their tenanted holdings to enable their tenants to farm efficiently.”

Modern equipment

Mr Raymond said the best way of achieving these standards is through modern buildings and equipment with the latest technologies.

He said such investments not only give better welfare standards, but in turn results in more efficient farming and enhanced productivity.

“Over 35% of the agricultural land in England and Wales is farmed by tenants so it is crucial that we get a new domestic agricultural policy right to deliver these elements for productive, profitable and progressive farming,” Mr Raymond said.

The Tenant Farmers' Association has in particular highlighted the need for longer term Farm Business Tenancies (FBTs), which were introduced in 1995 after the passing of the Agricultural Tenancies Act.

TFA Chief Executive George Dunn said: “The stated objectives of the legislation were to improve the efficiency of land use within the agricultural sector whilst increasing opportunities for both progressing farmers and new entrants.

“Neither of these objectives have been attained. Whilst there was an increase in the amount of let land through the early years of the new legislation this has, by and large, tailed off. However, the biggest failing of the legislation has been the perpetuation of short lengths of term leading to inefficiency.”

The NFU has laid out its vision for a domestic agricultural policy post-Brexit that urges the government to increase productivity, manage volatility and enhance the farmed environment.