Boosting support for farmers is at the heart of a new plan setting out how Leicestershire County Council manages its rural estate.
The authority owns 7,400 acres of rural estate, - including 65 farms and nearly 7,000 acres of farmland- alongside 275 acres of woodland and land which boosts biodiversity.
Bucking the national trend, the council owns more acres of farmland now than it did 10 years ago. This increase contrasts with councils around the country that have significantly reduced or sold their farms.
Through the new rural strategy the County Council aims to maintain an estate at the current size and boost support for existing and prospective new farmers.
Plans include maximising farmland by ensuring it is made up of a mix of sizes, and to ensure these are suitably equipped with the correct buildings for them to be successful.
There will also be support for new tenants, as well as existing tenants, so they can run long-term, sustainable farms, including helping them to diversify and innovate. Areas of woodland and biodiversity will continue to be important parts of the estate.
The estate will naturally evolve over time with disposals of any land that is clearly uneconomical or has a more beneficial alternative use. However, proposals would consider keeping any adjoining land that may benefit neighbouring farms and see it absorbed into that estate.
A public consultation, which wants to understand how the county council can best help its tenants succeed is set to invite comments from all residents, with specific engagement taking place with existing farmers, industry stakeholders and the National Farmers Union.
“This strategy is about two things – supporting our farmers and making the best use of our rural estate.
“Farmers are our backbone and we recognise how important they are to everyone in Leicestershire. As a landowner of over 60 farms across the whole county, we want them to thrive.
“Making sure our existing farmers continue to be sustainable is a key part of the strategy, as is supporting the next generation of farmers, and giving them a chance to be a success.
“We’re being proactive and talking to lots of people in the farming industry about this strategy, but your views are important, too, so I’d encourage everyone to have a say.”
Person:Councillor Harrison Fowler, cabinet member for resources
If approved, the consultation will open on 5th January 2026 and close on 13th February 2026.
Cabinet will discuss the proposed consultation and strategy on 16 December at 2pm. Find out mor about watching online.