Conference to debate securing the future of tenant farming.

Byline: Karen Dent

THE future of tenant farming and how it can best be secured is coming under the spotlight this week. Issues affecting the sector and how strong tenancies can be created for the next generation will be discussed at the 2009 Tenant Farming Conference on T hursday. The invitation-only event, at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, has been organised by the NFU to pull together views on how the industry can effectively lobby in support of the sector.

The role and the future of county farms, the need for professional advice for complex tenant issues, such as succession planning, and the role Government can play in ensuring the sector has a viable future are among the topics up for discussion.

The panel of experts assembled for the event include Julian Sayers, of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Stephen Morgan, the out-going rural chairman of the Association of Chief Estate Surveyors, Lord Davies from Defra and Jim Paice, Conservative shadow secretary for agriculture.

NFU deputy president, Meurig Raymond, who is chairing the conference, said: "This conference is the first time we will have our regional representatives on tenancy issues meeting with national leaders for the sector, including those in the retail supply chain, major banks, Government representatives, leading surveyors and legal advisers.

"It will also offer the chance for young farmers to have their say on how tenancy issues affect them and their future plans for farming.

"For some a tenancy is the only opportunity to remain in agriculture, renting back their family farm, which in turn can provide retiring parents security for the future.

"Whatever route is chosen it is imperative that the right advice is sought and options are explored."

NFU president Peter Kendall will be opening the morning session.

He said: "This is an important conference which will help shape some of the key decisions that need to be made about future lobbying from the NFU on behalf of its tenant members.

"Coming as it does in the year before a general election, with the presence of the Defra representative to the House of Lords and the opposition minister for agriculture, it should provide a useful insight into the policies we can expect to see for the tenanted sector in the coming years.

"The NFU believes a strong tenanted sector is paramount if we are to meet the challenges that lie ahead for increased food production, while impacting less on our environment."

CAPTION(S):

CHAIRMAN Meurig Raymond.