Yorkshire farmers hope government plans for tenant farmers are in time to save them from solar takeover

While the news was welcomed, Yorkshire farmers Robert and Emma Sturdy hope the changes will be initiated in enough time to save their farm business.

They are third generation tenant farmers at Eden Farm in Old Malton with 240 acres or arable land.

the couple founded the campaign Save Old Malton Countryside two years ago after they found out their landlord, The Fitzwilliam Trust Corporation were planning to allow Harmony Energy to site a solar development on their farmland – taking 130 acres of land from them.

Reacting to the government announcement, Mrs Sturdy told Country Post she hoped it wouldn’t be too late to help them.

She said: “This is a very welcome step in the right direction. Of course, much will depend on the actions government take and how quickly those actions can be delivered at a local level, but we are thrilled that tenant farmers like us are finally being recognised for the huge contribution we make to British agriculture, local communities, the environment and the national economy.

“It will be invaluable to have somebody in government who fully understands the challenges and complexities of all Agricultural Tenancies and hopefully can bring them in line with today’s world.”

The measures, announced in response to the independent Rock Review, agree with the review’s key recommendations and include a new Farm Tenancy Forum which will work to consider the unique challenges facing the sector, facilitate more collaborative relationships between landlords and tenants, and help to shape farming policy. This will be co-chaired by Julian Sayers and will provide regular feedback to government, strengthening Defra’s relationship with the sector.

The Rock Review was published in October 2022, led by Baroness Rock and the Tenancy Working Group, with input from all parts of the tenanted sector including tenants, landlords and agents.

Baroness Kate Rock said: “I welcome the Government’s commitment to the agricultural tenanted sector and its willingness to focus on how the objectives of the Rock Review can be delivered.“I would, however, have liked the response to fully recognise all the findings of the Review, in particular regarding the increase in new clauses being inserted into Farm Business Tenancies, and on tenants engaging in diversified activities. Whilst I welcome the new Farm Tenancy Forum, this must be focused on implementing the findings of the Review to be successful.“I would like to thank the Secretary of State, the Farming Minster and DEFRA for their proactive engagement throughout the Rock Review and their commitment to work together for a thriving agricultural tenanted sector.”