Agenda item

(Toconsider an update report from Sarah Wells, Business Manager - Corporate Property, on the County Farms Estate in terms of current challenges, the Agriculture Act and future strategy)

Consideration was given to an update report from the Business Manager - Corporate Property, on the County Farms Estate in terms of current challenges, the Agriculture Act and future strategy.

It was noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had caused some disruption to markets, such as for prime beef and chipping potatoes, but the economic impact for most arable farmers was relatively limited. The Council's primary concern was for the welfare of the tenants and the potential social impact of the lockdown measures and the isolation that this could bring to people already living in some relatively remote locations. Regular contact processes with tenants was put in place and contact details of Savills, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN), and the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) were widely shared and encouraged as support networks.

The report made reference to the extreme weather experienced in Lincolnshire last year in particular record rainfall which had an economic impact on farming. Also noted was the action carried out to support tenants which included: The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI) had attended the annual tenants meeting on 27 February 2020. Invitations had been sent to all tenants and all contact details included; RABI details had been included within the annual newsletter to all tenants (February 2020); Emails sent to tenants on 17 March 2020 with team contact details and details of RABI and LRSN. Email sent to tenants on 29 June 2020 confirming contact details, reiterating RABI/LRSN's details, and sharing a link to Covid-19 Business Support; Email sent in October with link to the Farmworker App, with all contact details for Savills and RABI/LRSN. In respect of financial support and the potential difficulties in meeting rental demands, tenants had been encouraged to make contact as soon as possible in order that support and payment plans can be agreed.

Following the Agriculture Bill receiving Royal Assent in November 2020, DEFRA had produced its Transition Plan 2021-24, providing some clarity on plans for post Brexit farm support in England. The report highlighted information on the impact on direct payments. It was reported that DEFRA intended to run a Lump Sum Exit Scheme in 2022. This would allow farmers who wished to exit the industry to take their remaining transition period Direct Payments as a capitalised lump sum. The Lump Sum Exit Scheme was intended to assist farmers who were thinking about retiring whilst creating opportunities for new entrants into the farming sector.

(Councillor C J Davie gave his apologies for the remainder of the meeting and left at this point)

Members considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:-

·         There was no list for those people expressing an interest in entering into farming.

·         It was noted that there were no plans to increase rents next year. Rents were considered on an individual basis every three years. Members had some concerns that rental increases would make it difficult for farmers already finding it difficult to manage with the challenges of the pandemic, Brexit and the recent bad weather. It was suggested that the Council should endeavour to retain existing tenants and continue to provide support where possible.

·         The Committee asked if ways to encourage young people to enter farming could be considered.

·         That a further update on County Farms be submitted to the Committee in six months' time.  

·         The Chairman suggested that the Business Manager - Corporate Property should be part of the scrutiny panel being set up to look at farming.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and a further update on County Farms be submitted to the Committee in six months' time.