Future of Powys tenant farmers to be discussed at meeting
Concerns about "significant" consequences on some farmers whose council tenancies are ending imminently will be discussed at a public meeting next week.
Powys County Council's farm estate is the largest of its kind in Wales and the fifth largest in the UK, with 133 holdings and more than 4,000ha of land.
Kerry Community Council is hosting a meeting at 7pm on Tuesday, May 27, at Sarn Village Hall amid local concerns over the management of the Powys farm estate and the future availability of tenancies.
NFU Cymru, which will have representation at the meeting, said it would like to see some clarity from Powys County Council for the sake of affected tenants and those whose tenancies are ending imminently, particularly those in the final 18 to 24 months of their current lease.
A spokesman for NFU Cymru said: 'Council farm tenancies offer an important opportunity for new entrants and young farming families to make their first step on the farming ladder. For many years, these farms have been considered the jewel in the crown of a local authority property or asset portfolio and a well-managed estate also holds the potential to help a council deliver on its economic, environmental, climate and social obligations.
'Just like no farm can stay the same forever, NFU Cymru recognises that council farm estates will be subject to change. However, we would have significant concerns if there was a contraction of any council farm estate with assets sold and not reinvested in the farm estate.
'Given the level of local concerns, it is important that Powys County Council clearly communicates with its tenants and provides some clarity on its overall strategy for the future of its farm estate. If a situation unfortunately arises where a tenant is served notice for a property that will be sold, it's crucial that the council provides provisions to support these tenants, with the ambition of supporting the tenant to continue their farming journey.'
The public meeting on Tuesday, which will be available to attend online, will include background about current concerns by Kerry Community Council's chairman and a presentation from Powys County Council.
People who would like to ask specific questions or address the meeting are asked to get in touch with the Kerry Community Council clerk before the meeting by sending an email to clerk@kerrycommunitycouncil.gov.uk
A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: 'The council is undertaking a strategic rationalisation of its property estate including its commercial and county farms portfolio in line with its Corporate Asset Policy, which has been agreed by Cabinet. This is to ensure that our assets are managed efficiently, sustainably and aligns with the evolving needs of our communities.
'By reviewing and streamlining our property holdings, we aim to reduce maintenance liabilities, improve operational efficiency, and release capital from underutilised or surplus assets.
'The capital receipts generated through this process will be reinvested to support the delivery of the council's priority projects – enhancing essential services, modernising infrastructure and driving forward our long-term vision for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys and that we become more sustainable.'
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