Opposition to selling off council farms

NFU Cymru has today expressed its disappointment to the Leaders of Flintshire County Council following news that the Council has proposed to sell off its estate of council farms which the Union sees as an important and irreplaceable strategic asset.

In response to fears that the Council is to sell off its holdings, believed to be valued at just under £14.5 million to boost its finances, NFU Cymru has clearly stated to Council Leaders why County Council farms are not only vital to the farming industry but have much wider benefits for rural communities.

Ceiriog Jones, Clwyd NFU Cymru County Chairman said, "We appreciate the major financial pressures currently upon our Local Authorities, but we do not accept that selling off one of their prime assets is the answer, this would be equal to selling the family silver. Instead a well managed estate should be seen as a vital and profitable asset for Local Authorities - a view which is also shared by the National Assembly’s Rural Development sub-committee following its inquiry into Local Authority farms last year."

Farming is also regarded as one of the most difficult industries for newcomers to enter explained Mr Jones. He said, "The number of applicants trying for vacant tenancies throughout Wales is evidence that there are still many looking to get into farming but lack the capital to purchase land or to take up larger tenancies offered in the private sector and what these farms do is allow younger people without sufficient capital a chance to get into the farming industry."

"Council farms play an important role, not only within the farming industry but they also benefit the rural economy, the wider community, tourism, and the environment. We emphasise that with the right incentives and opportunities for tenants, the farm network can deliver on a number of other important aspirations, such as, renewable energy generation and waste utilization as well as being used as an educational resource."

NFU Cymru will be meeting with Flintshire Council Leaders in the near future to discuss its proposal in greater detail.