Bolstering support for Leicestershire’s farmers will be at the centre of a new plan on managing the county council’s rural estate.
New farmers who want to get into the industry via Leicestershire County Council’s farmland will be supported – as well as existing tenants – to ensure farms are successful for the long term.
The new rural estate strategy was consulted on over the winter, with existing farmers, industry experts and the NFU all giving their views on the plans alongside the public.
Other highlights of the strategy include making sure farmland has a mix of sizes and equipping them with building infrastructure so they can be a success.
Unlike many other councils, Leicestershire County Council owns more acres of farmland than it did 10 years ago.
Whilst other local authorities are significantly reducing or selling off their farms, the new strategy aims to maintain the size of Leicestershire’s estate alongside getting the right support in place for existing and new farmers.
A sensible approach will be taken to the estate - which will evolve over time – and land that is not economically viable or can benefit from other uses will be disposed of.
However, a new, practical approach will consider if it is worth any adjoining land that may benefit neighbouring farms so it can be used by that estate.
“We’ve listened to what the industry had to say about our ambitions to support farmers.
“We want to maximise the land we have and support our farming industry. The new plan also makes sure we make best use of our rural estate.
“Our farms need to be sustainable, but we also want to make sure our farming industry – which is a vital part of Leicestershire’s – continues to be a long-term success.
"We own over 60 farms across the county so we’re throwing our support behind the next generation of farmers with this strategy."
Person:Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources
Cabinet will discuss the proposed strategy on 28 April at 2pm. Find out more about watching online.