Dec 19 2017

STFA URGES TENANTS TO TAKE PART IN GOVERNMENT SURVEY ON AGENT’S CONDUCT

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

 8^TH October 2017

STFA URGES TENANTS TO TAKE PART IN GOVERNMENT SURVEY ON AGENT’S CONDUCT

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed the start of a government survey of professional agents representing landlords and tenants. The survey is an all-important first step in gathering information for the Tenant Farming Commissioner’s review of the operation of professional agents which, under last year’s Land Reform Act must be completed by next Spring.  In its Autumn newsletter STFA has alerted members to expect a call from the survey contractors and if contacted, to make sure they respond openly to the questions asked.  All answers will, of course be treated in absolute confidence.

Commenting on the survey STFA Director Angus McCall said; “This survey is an important piece of work in providing the TFC’s review with real evidence of how professional agents are operating on the ground. Although most agents behave in a responsible and professional way, STFA has long been aware of bad practice which has always been difficult to substantiate.  The TFC’s review should now be able to put some facts to the anecdotes for all to see.

“Landlords and tenants have become increasingly reliant on their professional advisers who now exert a disproportionate influence over the way in which let land is managed and on the relationships between landlords and tenants. Nowadays landlords invariably engage outside firms of land agents to factor their tenanted farms. The days of the traditional management style of the residential estate factor living on the estate and knowing the tenants are long gone to be replaced by commercially driven firms of land agents with little personal knowledge of the estate and often the workings of the tenanted system. This lack of understanding and sometimes tactless behaviour usually comes to the fore during rent reviews leading to conflict and acrimony.

“Land agents are at the sharp end of dealings with tenant farmers and we have been pleased to see that the spectre of a review of the conduct of professional agents has already seen an improvement in their behaviour. STFA is well aware that there are still some individuals who seem to have a cavalier attitude in the way they conduct their business and we hope that this survey will help flush them out and put an end to the bad practice which has given their profession such an unfortunate reputation.  There will, however, always be maverick landlords, tenants and agents who will continue to ignore codes of practice and codes of conduct and it will be up to the industry to put pressure on them to mend their ways.”

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

Dec 19 2017

GOVERNMENT SURVEY ON FARM TENANTS’ HOUSING UNDERWAY

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

 11^th September 2017

GOVERNMENT SURVEY ON FARM TENANTS’ HOUSING UNDERWAY

The Scottish Government is conducting a housing survey of the condition of rented accommodation in all types of agricultural tenancies. At present rented accommodation held under agricultural tenancies is only subject to a “tolerable” standard which, in other circumstances, is regarded as a condemnatory standard falling far below the minimum repairing standard expected for private rented housing.  In the long term the Scottish Government would like to bring the quality of agricultural housing conditions in line with other rented accommodation in Scotland.  This survey will cover all housing on agricultural tenancies and small landholdings including the farmhouse, farm workers cottages and sublet accommodation.

Commenting on this initiative STFA Chairman Christopher Nicholson said: “STFA has been concerned for a number of years about the state of some farmhouses and the conditions in which some tenants are expected to live. Housing held under an agricultural tenancy has always been exempt from the Housing Acts, with the landlord’s responsibility being limited to renewing and replacing what was provided at the start of the lease. Improvements are expected to be carried out by the tenant.  In practice, most tenants have improved farmhouses and other cottages to bring them up to an acceptable standard, and, indeed there are some landlords who have also invested in housing accommodation.

“However there are still many tenants occupying houses which are well below minimum repairing standards whose landlords are reluctant to even carry out their basic obligations to keep buildings wind and watertight. In these situations, tenants have been unwilling to invest in improving the farmhouse without any guarantees of compensation at the end of their tenancies, especially where landlords have not fulfilled their side of the bargain.

“Responding to this government survey may not be top priority for many tenants still pre-occupied in gathering in harvest and other autumn work, but STFA would strongly advice all tenants’ wives and families to seize the initiative and complete and return the survey as soon as they can. This is the first comprehensive survey to be carried out on the condition of the housing stock on tenanted holdings and will help build a picture of and give an indication of the scale of the task to bring all tenanted housing up to acceptable standards.

“Housing standards have improved immeasurably over the last few decades and there is no reason why the tenanted sector should lag behind the rest of society. Landlords must be prepared to carry out their renewing obligations during the tenancy and, if they are not prepared to invest in improving the housing stock, they should not stand in the way of tenants who are prepared to do so and be prepared to treat their tenants’ improvements as eligible for compensation should the tenancy come to an end.”

STFA is urging all tenants to respond to this important survey which is running from 25^th august to 20^th October 2017.  Responses to the survey will be treated in strictest confidence.

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

Aug 17 2017

TFC REVIEW A MILESTONE IN TENANCY REFORM

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

17th August 2017

TFC REVIEW A MILESTONE IN TENANCY REFORM

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association has hailed the news that Scotland’s Tenant Farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh, has begun work on the review of agents as a major milestone towards the improvement of relationships between landlords and tenants. The review will look at the views and experiences of tenant farmers and landlords with regard to the conduct of professionals engaged by either party to act on their behalf in matters relating to agricultural holdings.

Welcoming the announcement STFA chairman Christopher Nicholson said: “Over the last few decades land agents have had an increasing influence on the tenanted sector and the relationships between tenants and their landlords. Nowadays landlords invariably engage outside firms of land agents to factor their tenanted farms. The days of the traditional management style of the residential estate factor living on the estate and knowing the tenants are long gone to be replaced by commercially driven firms of land agents with little personal knowledge of the estate and often the workings of the tenanted system. This lack of understanding and sometimes tactless behaviour usually comes to the fore during rent reviews leading to conflict and acrimony

“The spectre of a review of the conduct of professional agents has already seen an improvement in their behaviour and the creation of a Tenant Farming Commissioner has provided tenant farmers with an independent ombudsman to whom they can have the confidence to refer complaints and seek advice. This review should pave the way for the creation of recognised codes of conduct to complement the codes of practice already being established.

“Landlords’ increasing reliance on the advice of professional agents as the rural economy and the tenanted sector becomes increasingly complex puts them in a pivotal position to influence land management in Scotland. In light of the undoubtable impact that estate management has on the wider community and rural economy STFA believes the TFC’s review should also examine the advice being given by professional agents on the management of that land.

“A handful of land agent firms factor Scotland’s let land and exert disproportionate control over the way in which it is managed. Farms to let are at a premium despite evidence of land becoming vacated, such as on the island of Bute, where there will be a number of empty farms in the next year or two.  On Bute and on many other estates there must be a compelling public interest argument to relet these farms and encourage new blood in to agriculture.  A more positive attitude on behalf of land agents towards the tenanted sector could bring many of these farms back onto the letting market.”

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

Aug 14 2017

Time to be proactive in winning markets, livestock representatives urge Government

Press Release

 14 August 2017

Time to be proactive in winning markets, livestock representatives urge Government

Brexit presents a tremendous opportunity for the UK livestock sector, but Government needs to start acting now to help achieve progress in winning new markets around the world and retaining existing markets, according to the UK Livestock Brexit Group.

While the livestock sector, alongside its levy bodies and Government departments, as well as the poultry sector, has commenced the important process of finding new markets since the referendum, the UK and devolved Governments have a necessary and critical role in helping to support and accelerate the long hard work required.

That is the message from UK Livestock Brexit Group chairman, Chris Dodds of the Livestock Auctioneers Association. Only effective action by Government can open some doors for new markets overseas, with the rules set by other countries.

The UK Livestock Brexit Group is urging Government to engage now with livestock farming sector organisations to put in place a strategic framework for the future of the industry with high standards at home and energetic promotion abroad.

“The UK is a high-quality producer of premium meat products, with traceability, good health and welfare and food safety among the key attributes of the UK livestock supply chain. We need to champion Great British produce and make sure that trade deals enable our producers to maintain high standards,” says Mr Dodds.

The UK Livestock Brexit Group believes if high UK standards are to see a premium price, Government should emphasise the provenance of UK produce and its existing high standards in trade promotion. That will help to replace imports at home, as work progresses to ensure standards are not undermined through those imports that do enter the market.

It is also essential for individual Governments to work closely together, thereby ensuring a unified approach to negotiations and trade deals.

Mr Dodds adds, “While the group’s view is that maintaining access to the EU market should remain the priority, we have also opened up export markets that many British consumers may not even realise exist. Products such as chicken feet and pig’s trotters have limited demand from the UK consumer, but there is good demand for these, along with prime meat products, in new Asian markets, adding value for UK producers.

“This is the ethos of successful trade relationships, but it is best done in close alliance with Government, since winning these markets takes hard, sustained work, involving Government.”

Recognising there is much to do, and much to clarify, the group believes now is the time for the Government to take a proactive stance.

“We know it takes time and commitment. Livestock production and trade is a long-term, complicated and technical subject. We are pleased that ministers have now been talking about transition periods, giving the time needed for the work to be done. Countries don’t take short cuts with food; why would they? But it means this takes time, and to be ready with markets after Brexit we need to be working hard now,” continues Mr Dodds.

“As a group of independent dedicated livestock organisations, we offer unrivalled knowledge, understanding and representation of the entire UK livestock industry. We want to work with Government to assist in the development of a dynamic industry for future generations and the UK economy.”

As the largest and most progressive group across the sector, the UK Livestock Brexit Group was formed in August 2016 and now includes representation from 21 of the leading bodies with livestock interests   across England, Scotland and Wales.

ENDS

Notes to editors

About the UK Livestock Brexit Group

The UK Livestock Brexit Group was formed in August 2016 as a collaborative group of key stakeholders from the livestock sector across England, Wales and Scotland to help positively support the UK and devolved Governments to plan a route forward for farming after Brexit.

The collaboration of the livestock farming industry organisations, working as The UK Livestock Brexit Group, brings together specialist knowledge and industry representation to consider the potential consequences and implications of the many decisions in the Brexit process for the livestock industry, and offers support and help to the Governments and their administrations.

The group has grown to include representation from 21 of the leading trade organisations

Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA), National Sheep Association (NSA), National Beef Association (NBA), British Poultry Council (BPC), Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), National Pig Association (NPA), Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS), Tenant Farmers Association Cymru (TFA Cymru), Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA), National Farmers Union (NFU), National Farmers Union Scotland (NFU Scotland), National Farmers Union Cymru (NFU Cymru), Country Land and Business Association (CLA), The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV), British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW), Scottish Beef Association (SBA), British Pig Association (BPA), Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW).

For further information please contact:

Chris Dodds, appointed group chairman

UK Livestock Brexit Group

016974 75433 / 07885 731502

Chris.dodds@laa.co.uk

Stuart Booker, account manager

Kendalls

02476 992360

stuart.booker@kendallscom.co.uk

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

Aug 14 2017

GOVERNMENT URGED TO EXEMPT AGRICULTURAL TENANCIES FROM PUNITIVE LAND TAX

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

2^nd August 2017

GOVERNMENT URGED TO EXEMPT AGRICULTURAL TENANCIES FROM PUNITIVE LAND TAX

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association is calling upon the Scottish Government to exempt agricultural tenancies from a new land tax which will penalise new entrants by levying a tax on new lettings and the assignation of existing tenancies.

Research conducted on behalf of STFA has confirmed that one of the unintended and little understood consequences of the Land and Business Transaction Tax (LBTT) is the impact it will have on the agricultural letting market. LBTT was introduced in April 2015 to replace Stamp Duty Land Tax with a simpler and fairer way of levying tax on property sales and other transactions.

It is the tenant’s responsibility to make an LBTT return if the lease period is for more than 7 years, or if the tenant ‘buys’ the lease for more than £40,000; and/or where the rent is of a high enough level to bring it within the LBTT threshold for leases (£150,000).

Commenting on the news, STFA Chairman Christopher Nicholson said: “The impact of this land tax on the tenanted sector has only just become apparent now that LBTT is in operation.   The new tax regime affects leases granted after 1^st April 2015, usually 10 year minimum Limited Duration Tenancies, but a 1991 lease being re-granted for tax purposes will also be liable. So tenants should be wary of a landlord’s request for a new 1991 lease to address his tax concerns.

“The new assignation proposals in the Land Reform Act for 1991 tenancies may also be affected. As it stands, it is possible that an assignation for value will trigger an LBTT liability. The incoming tenant is, ultimately, paying for an interest in land and therefore, a notification to Revenue Scotland seems likely to be required if the consideration for the assignation is above the £40,000 threshold. He would then be responsible for the return and the LBTT liability and thereafter the three-year returns. We have already seen the assignation of a 1991 tenancy take place where the incoming tenant’s purchase price for the lease is greater than the £150,00 threshold and he faces a tax liability on top of the price he has paid for his new tenancy.

“Tenants taking on a long-term LDT will find themselves in even greater difficulty as they will be faced with being taxed on the accumulated rent over the period of the lease. For example, a 20 year lease of a 400ac farm with an annual rent of £15,000 would create rental payments over the 20 year period of £300,000 giving rise to a tax bill of over £4,000 to be paid at the start of the lease. Rent rises over the period of the lease could give rise to subsequent tax demands.

“This amounts to penal treatment of the let sector and is obviously not what was originally intended. It flies in the race of government policy to encourage longer-term tenancies and the transfer of existing tenancies to new entrants and developing farmers. STFA has already brought this to the attention of the Scottish government and will be seeking the support of fellow stakeholders to lobby for an exemption for the agricultural tenanted sector.

The potential to grow the tenanted sector as support rules tighten and farming becomes less attractive to landowners in the more marginal areas, is one of the of the few silver linings in the Brexit cloud and it would be a spectacular own goal if government tax policy accidentally killed this prospect dead in the water.

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

Jun 1 2017

BUCCLEUCH’S SALE OF FARMS TO TENANTS WELCOMED BY STFA

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

1^st June 2017

 BUCCLEUCH’S SALE OF FARMS TO TENANTS WELCOMED BY STFA

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed the announcement from Buccleuch Estates that the Estate is in advanced discussions with a number of tenant farmers on Limited Partnership agreements with a view to either them purchasing the farms they rent or converting the Limited Partnership tenancies to alternative long-term arrangements. This announcement follows concerns raised by STFA regarding the reports that some of Scotland’s largest estates were taking steps to bring Limited Partnership tenancies to an end, often with a view to replacing them with trees.

Limited Partnership tenancies were originally devised as a way of circumventing security of tenure and between the 1980s and the creation of limited duration tenancies in 2003 they were just about the only type of tenancy available. There are now less than 400 of these tenancies still in existence, comparted to 1200 in 2003.

LP tenancies were either let for a set period of time, occasionally up to the retirement date of the tenant, or for an initial period which was either renewed when it came to an end for a further defined period or, more commonly the tenancy rolled on under tacit relocation on a year to year basis. Tenants holding their leases under tacit relocation will usually be those who will have occupied the farm for longest and have invested the most, but are also the most vulnerable.

Commenting on the situation STFA Chairman Christopher Nicholson said: “STFA has been concerned about the future of tenants in Limited Partnership tenancies and the vulnerable position in which they find themselves and we share the views of the AHLRG and the Tenant Farming Commissioner that this as an unsatisfactory situation and discussions should take place between landlord and tenant to ensure that there is a long-term approach to land management leaving ample time to discuss the aspirations of both parties before decisions regarding the future of the farm are made.

“We appreciate that many landowners will want to move Limited Partnership tenancies on to a more satisfactory basis, but we have been concerned that some of the actions taken have been insensitive and on occasion callous with little consideration for the tenants concerned and scant regard to industry agreed guidlines.   We are therefore pleased to hear that Buccleuch Estate is taking steps to enter into discussions with their tenants to agree a mutually beneficial way forward for their farming businesses in line with Guidance issued by the Interim Government Adviser, andrew Thin, soon to be incorporated into a Code of Practice by the Tenant Farming Commissioner.

“Buccleuchs decision to sell some farms and to grant longer term tenancies to others is a constructive move and welcome.  STFA hopes that other landlords will follow suit in their dealings with Limited Partnership tenants, abiding by the codes of practice which lay out a procedure which should be followed when initiating discussions about bringing a LP tenancy to an end.  In particular, if partnerships are to be dissolved or tenancies brought to an end, formal notices should not be served before discussions have taken place and attempts made to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

“It should also be remembered that most of  tenants in limited partnership arrangements will be in mid-career having farmed the land for well over twenty years and many will also have sons or daughters who would like to follow in their footsteps. The circumstances and aspirations of these farming families should be taken into account before decisions are made about the future of their farms.”

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

May 23 2017

RENT MODELLING WORK SET TO BEGIN

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

23rd May 2017

RENT MODELLING WORK SET TO BEGIN

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed the news that the Scottish Government has appointed a contractor to conduct rent modelling work for the new rent test being applied to 1991 tenancies and available to Limited Duration Tenancies. The contract has been awarded to Savills and will also involve Hamish Lean and Watson, both of whom are well known practitioners, experienced in the conduct of rent reviews.

The 2016 Land Reform Act has radically changed the way in which rents are assessed, moving from a market driven approach to one based on the productive capacity of the holding. Although the new formula is enshrined in statute, the Act requires it to be tested on the ground to make sure it will be achieve its purpose of delivering a fair rent, before the secondary legislation, implementing the changes, is passed by parliament.

STFA has been critical of the delay in getting the rent modelling work underway as the start date of the new rent review system has now moved from late 2018 to late 2019 which means that the rent reviews may not be determined under the productive capacity until 2020.

Commenting on the news STFA Director Angus McCall said; “We are pleased to hear that a contractor has been appointed and rent modelling work will begin over the next few weeks. We are breaking new ground and tenants will soon be subject to a completely new rent test which will, in the longer term, prove to be a fairer, more transparent and more objective way of calculating rents. This is a major change of direction and it is important that as many potential hiccups as possible are identified in the modelling exercise before it is rolled out for general use.

“We are, however, surprised to learn that Savills have been appointed as the main contractor for this work as the firm is known to act for a large percentage of Scotland’s largest landlords and many tenants will have had their rents reviewed by Savills’ agents. These concerns have been raised with Cab Sec Fergus Ewing and we have been reassured by the news that Hamish Lean and Watson Bell, both of whom are STFA recommended agents, will be involved in the process to sense check Savills’ work from a legal and valuation perspective. We have also recommended to the Cab Sec a stakeholder monitoring group should be set up to provide further assurances of transparency and impartiality.

Hamish Lean explains his role: “Scottish Government have appointed Savills to test, analyse and make recommendations on the functionality and application of the new rent review system introduced under Part 10, Chapter 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.   Savills were amongst a number of organisations which tendered for carrying out this work. In order to ensure that the work is done in an objective, fair and balanced manner in accordance with the requirements of the new legislation, I have been asked to act as an independent legal assessor well known for acting for tenants to “sense check” Savills’ work and findings as robustly as possible from a legal perspective to ensure that it is correct on legal grounds and that it is objective, fair and reasonable. Watson Bell’s role, once again being someone well known for acting for tenants, is identical from a valuation and agricultural consultancy point of view.”

“We are sure that these safeguards will go a long way towards creating tenant confidence in what has in the past been a potentially confrontational and controversial process. Every change in legislation is liable to challenge but we hope that the industry as a whole will get behind the new rent review system and make sure it is a success. The tenanted sector needs a stable working environment and rent reviews should be seen as a normal business transaction with rents varying as farming fortunes go up or down. Rent notices dropping through the letter box filling tenants with a sense of dread should become a thing of the past.”

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

May 23 2017

STFA EXPRESSES ALARM AT MOVES TO REPLACE TENANT FARMERS WITH TREES

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

17.5.15

 STFA EXPRESSES ALARM AT MOVES TO REPLACE TENANT FARMERS WITH TREES

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association is alarmed to hear reports of some of Scotland’s largest estates taking steps to bring tenancies to an end to replace tenant farmers with trees. Limited Partnership tenancies on upland units are especially vulnerable and despite the Guidance put in place by Andrew Thin, the former Independent Adviser on Tenant Farming to the Scottish Government, it would seem that these tenancies are being terminated with little consideration of the tenant farming families to be displaced.

Commenting on the situation STFA chairman Christopher Nicholson said: “The trees versus tenants debate is set to reignite. For a few years we have been seeing upland and hill farms coming out of tenancies frequently being planted with trees and to make matters worse, we are now seeing some of the large estates bringing Limited Partnership and Limited Duration Tenancies to an end to make way for trees.

“This trend is not new and six years ago the trees versus sheep debate was instrumental in Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead setting up the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group to manage woodland expansion targets in ways that would complement and integrate with other land uses, especially agriculture, wherever possible. Their report set woodland expansion targets at 10,000ha per year to 2022. It also recommended the type of tree to be planted and where tree planting should take place.  Amongst other things, the report also looked at providing for better consultation with other land users and local communities.

“For a variety of reasons, mainly associated with grant funding, woodland creation targets have not been met. Consequently the Scottish Government has recently announced an increase in targets from 10,000ha in 2020 to reach 15,000ha per year in 2025 and onwards.  There have also been promises of improved funding and greater prospects for the forestry industry post Brexit.  This has obviously given the forestry industry a new boost and is stimulating landowners to plant trees, raising again the dilemma of finding suitable land for trees without conflicting with agricultural production.

“Many landlords now view forestry as an attractive alternative to tenant farming and the losers in this drive towards tree planting are the tenants and their families whose tenancies are being cut short leaving them to find new homes and occupations. In many cases there is evidence of land agents ignoring the industry code of practice, put in place by Andrew Thin, the former Independent Adviser on tenant farming which creates a structured process to agree a mutually beneficial way forward including the use of professional mediation where agreement proves difficult to find.

“Most of these tenants will be in mid-career and many will also have sons or daughters who would like to follow in their footsteps. There are being forced out of their farms with scant consideration of how the loss of home and livelihood will affect their lives.  This is quite callous treatment of tenants most of whom will have farmed the land for well over twenty years.

“STFA has raised this appalling situation with the Cabinet Secretary and the Tenant Farming Commissioner to ensure fair play for this vulnerable group of tenant farmers and to look towards encouraging more integrated land use where tenant farming and forestry can sit side by side and tenant farmers are able to continue farming their holdings through to retirement age. If action is not taken, not only will existing tenants suffer but potential new entrants will be affected as the traditional route into agriculture through upland stock farming becomes even more restricted.”

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •

May 4 2017

STFA WELCOMES TENANT FARMING COMMISSIONER’S CALLS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF BREXIT IN RENT REVIEWS

Scottish Tenant Farmers Association

News Release

2^nd May 2017

STFA welcomes Tenant Farming Commissioner’s calls to take account of Brexit in rent reviews

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed the Tenant farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh’s call to landlords and tenants to consider the impact of reviewing farm rents rent until the implications of Brexit are clearer. STFA has already warned its members to take account of the Brexit factor in rent negotiations and has reminded all those engaged in rent reviews that, although farm commodity prices have improved in the short term, following the EU Referendum result, the real challenges lie ahead. The rent review period is 3 years, so rents set in 2017 cannot be reviewed until 2020, by which time the UK may have left the EU and the Single Market if Article 50 is triggered as planned in 2017.

Commenting on the intervention, STFA Chairman Christopher Nicholson said: “The TFC’s call to think again about rent reviews is a commonsense suggestion and a sign of the gravity of the situation. Previous calls for a rental standstill from STFA have been rejected by landlords and their agents, however the TFC has no axe to grind save a desire to see fair play and this move must be taken seriously by all parties.

“The agricultural industry faces huge uncertainty as we contemplate leaving the EU and there is little sign that the UK government has any idea how we will cope with the loss of export markets and the potential imposition trading tariffs on top of much reduced support payments. Farm Business Incomes seem to be in freefall with a 48% fall in 2015/6 representing a 75% decrease in real terms in farm incomes since 2010/11. In these circumstances there can be no justification for any increase in farm rents.

“Good practice codes have been encouraging rent negotiations to take place in good time before the term date, consequently, STFA would also call upon any landlords and tenants who have already agreed an increase in rent for this May to shelve the new rent in line with the TFC’s statement.

“The agricultural industry faces hard times and landlords should be prepared to take this into account and not expect short term gain from rent increases at the risk of jeopardizing the viability of their tenants’ farming businesses. After all, if some of the dire predictions for agriculture materialise, landlords may be grateful to have tenants to farm the land and pay them any rent at all.”

By tfadmin • Uncategorized •