Farm tenancy with Duchy of Cornwall opens to applications

A 20-year farm business tenancy on a mixed farm will soon be available with the Duchy of Cornwall.

Arralas Farm, between Newquay and Truro, is one of the principle farms on the 2,215-acre Arrallas Estate in Cornwall.

It extends over 382 acres with extensive agricultural buildings, a farmhouse and two to three cottages. 

The holding has traditionally been used as a commercial dairy farm, but has more recently been farmed as a mixed livestock and arable unit.

Soils and sustainability

The land comprises 188 acres of arable, 118 acres of grass, 25 acres of permanent pasture and about 20 acres in an ecological focus area (EFA). There may be opportunity to expand the holding in the future. 

Soils are Grade 2 and 3 and are permeable, finely structured clay loams, over slate, which can be stony in places.

The tenant will be required to maintain the fertility of the land, including a proper lime level so as to ensure a pH of not less than 6 throughout the holding.

A soil analysis will be carried out before the incoming tenant takes occupation, with the cost split equally between the tenant and Duchy. The land is within a nitrate vulnerable zone.

The holding is entered into an Entry Level Stewardship agreement ending in 2018. 

Farm buildings and houses

Two main buildings provide 245 cubicles or potential housing for about 450 cattle. There is also a modern, timber-framed shed for youngstock, a four-bay straight store, large hay store and hard standing. 

The silage clamps have a capacity of about 4,500cu m and there is an underground slurry store with 2,400cu m capacity.

Two cottages are also included. One is let with an agricultural occupancy but could be made vacant if needed. The second is let as a holiday cottage. Another dwelling two miles from the farmyard may be available for a farmworker. The main farmhouse has seven bedrooms, an annexe and a substantial garden.

About the Duchy of Cornwall

The Duchy said its business model aimed to enable its tenants “to create thriving rural businesses that are financially secure and sustainable in the long term”.

It said that on this basis it was looking for a tenant who could deliver not only the commercial aspects of the holding, but also the wider environmental and social benefits synonymous with a contemporary rural business.

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association, said: “This 20-year farm business tenancy reflects the long-term, sustainable approach that characterises the way in which the Duchy of Cornwall manages its farms’ estate. Other landlords, both institutional and private, should look and learn.”

The incoming tenant

The Duchy said the ideal tenant would be a successful farmer with a proven track record in commercial agriculture and wider rural business.

They should also be able to demonstrate consideration for the environmental and social impacts of agriculture, working with the Duchy towards environmental progression and an improvement of the holding and wider estate, from financial, environmental and social perspectives.

Incoming tenants who propose a dairy system would need to provide evidence of their milk contract to illustrate the longevity of their business proposal.

Viewings and deadlines

Viewing days are the 18 and 19 February, with the deadline for applications set as 12pm on 11 March 2016.

A draft agreement with the Duchy can be viewed online.

For more information about viewings and particulars, email sbowden@duchyofcornwall.org.