English commissioner for tenant farmers to visit Cumbria

The first ever English commissioner for tenant farmers will visit Cumbria later this month.
Alan Laidlaw will attend an open meeting for tenant farmers on January 27, at the invitation of the Tenant Farmers Association, working with the Farmer Network.
During the meeting, he will explain his role, his hopes and aspirations for tenant farmers now and in future.
Farmers will also be able to take part in a Q&A session during the meeting, and it is hoped that they will share any concerns, worries, current experiences and also examples of good practice that are enabling them to work well with landlords.
TFA national chair Robert Martin, who will be giving an update on the work of the association, said: “We held a similar meeting with the Farmer Network in the same room, almost two years ago and even though it was lambing time, the room was full, and the discussions with farmers were open and forthright.
“The tenanted farm sector has continued to evolve since then and we must keep the discussions going to ensure the Commissioner is fully briefed and up to date”.
Farmer Network managing director Adam Day will chair the Q&A session.
He said: “This a tenant farmer-only meeting. We know that many tenants, particularly in the uplands are under pressure and facing an increasingly uncertain future.
“This will be a chance to share information with the commissioner or just to listen to what others in the sector are saying and experiencing at present. I think it is a great opportunity for this valuable part of the farming community.”
The meeting will take place on Tuesday January 27 at the Gavel Restaurant, Penrith Auction from 6.30pm.
Tenant farmers are encouraged to book a place early, as numbers will be limited to room capacity. To register and book a free place, visit https://bit.ly/TFA2701, email admin@thefarmernetwork.co.uk or call 01768 868615.