The Tenant Farmers Association will be using its autumn round of regional meetings, sponsored by Syngenta and in conjunction with Andersons the Farm Business Consultants, to focus on the future for EU and UK Government policy on agriculture between 2013 and 2020 and specifically how this will affect tenant farmers.

TFA National Chairman Greg Bliss said "Thoughts in Brussels are already turning to what the Common Agricultural Policy will look like after the current EU budget mandate runs out in 2013 and the TFA wants to be in a position to influence thinking in that area to make sure that tenant farmers are not prejudiced in any new policy.  With new issues, such as responding to climate change, to be integrated into future policy as well as the re-emergence of food and energy security on the agenda there is clearly much to think about."

There is no guarantee that funding through the Single Payment Scheme will continue, and if it does continue, it is likely that payments will be much lower and will have higher cross compliance conditions attached.  It might also be that more funding will be channelled through agri-environment schemes and it will therefore be important to ensure that tenants have fair access to these schemes under the terms of their tenancy agreements.

“In developing agri-environment schemes, policymakers do not always consider the implications for tenancy agreements.  This can lead to difficulties in tenants accessing schemes or situations where landlords have the ability to access the schemes even though they have passed management control to a tenant farmer.  We want to hear the views of tenant farmers on these issues to ensure that they are properly reflected in our future discussions with Government,” said Mr Bliss.

At each meeting there will be a representative from Syngenta and Andersons the Farm Business Consultants, the TFA's panel of Recommended Professionals and a representative from the TFA.  The meetings, which all start at 7:30pm will take place as follows:

19 October        Glazebrook House Hotel, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9JE

20 October        The Walnut Tree Hotel, North Petherton, South of Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6QA

21 October        Chichester Park Hotel, Madgwick Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 4UL

22 October        George Hotel, Station Street, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7LJ

02 November     Hatherton Country House Hotel, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge, Stafford, ST19 5QP

03 November     Mitton Hall, Mitton, Near Whalley, Clitheroe, BB7 9PQ

04 November     Tynedale Function and Conferencing Suite, Tyne Green, Northumberland, NE46 3SG

05 November     Brackenborough Hotel, Cordeaux Corner, Louth Lincolnshire, LN11 0SZ

The events are free of charge to farm tenants, but any tenant wanting to attend must register their interest with the TFA on 0118 930 6130, or by email to events@tfa.org.uk.  Members of the press and media are also welcome to attend.

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Notes for Editors:

For further information contact the TFA’s Communications and Events Co-ordinator, Jenna Kirkpatrick on 0118 930 6130.