The National Farmers Union has expressed satisfaction with the launch of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice, seeing it as a promising beginning towards better practices in the agricultural sector. This code, a result of extensive review and consultation, is designed to address various aspects of landlord-tenant relationships within the agricultural community.
Published following a comprehensive review, the code encompasses over 70 recommendations aimed at enhancing landlord-tenant dynamics and proposing adjustments to existing legislation and tax frameworks. It represents a concerted effort to foster improved collaboration and fairness between landlords and tenants in the agricultural sector, paving the way for more transparent and equitable arrangements.
The Rock Review highlighted the importance of establishing a resilient agricultural tenanted sector for the future, emphasizing the need to strike a fair balance between the rights of tenants and landlords. Spearheaded by an expert working group comprising representatives such as the NFU, the newly introduced code aims to cultivate clarity, communication, and collaboration within the tenanted sector. Its overarching goal is to enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of agricultural tenancy arrangements in the long term.
Crafted through collaborative efforts, the code serves as a comprehensive framework designed to provide guidance on best practices and standards of behavior expected from both landlords and tenants. It seeks to foster a culture of transparency and mutual respect, facilitating smoother interactions and dispute resolutions within the agricultural tenancy landscape. By promoting open communication and adherence to established guidelines, the code aims to create a conducive environment for sustainable tenancy relationships.
Furthermore, the code extends its purview to include professionals involved in agricultural tenancy matters, setting forth expectations for their conduct and ethical practices. By outlining clear standards for all stakeholders in the tenanted sector, the code strives to promote professionalism and integrity in dealings related to agricultural tenancies. This holistic approach underscores the commitment to fostering positive and constructive relationships among all parties involved in agricultural tenancy arrangements.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood, who represents the NFU on the Farm Tenancy Forum, applauds the introduction of a code of practice aimed at promoting fairness, communication, and good practice among landlords, tenants, and agents. This initiative, long advocated for by the NFU, seeks to address misconduct while highlighting exemplary practices.
Given that 60% of NFU farm businesses operate as tenants, it was imperative to ensure that the perspectives of tenant farmers were thoroughly considered in shaping the code. The goal was to develop a standard that caters to the needs of all stakeholders involved in agricultural tenancy arrangements.
Exwood encourages tenants, landlords, and their professional advisors to embrace the code and its core principles, which prioritize clarity, communication, and collaboration. By adhering to these principles, all parties can contribute to fostering positive and constructive relationships within the agricultural sector.
Prior to its official endorsement by the Farm Tenancy Forum, NFU members were actively engaged in the review process, offering valuable insights and feedback on the new code.
Chairing the Farm Tenancy Forum, Julian Sayers stressed the importance of widespread adoption of the code within the agricultural community, urging all stakeholders involved in the granting of agricultural tenancy agreements to embrace its principles for the collective benefit of the let sector.
Defra Secretary Steve Barclay echoed this sentiment, highlighting the code’s role in promoting positive and cooperative relationships between tenants and landlords, thereby contributing to the continued prosperity of the tenanted sector.
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