TFA invites tenant farmers to take part in sector survey

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) is encouraging tenants, landlords, agents and advisers to complete a new Defra survey designed to gauge awareness of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice and the role of the tenant farming commissioner.

The production of an Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England and the appointment of a commissioner for the tenant farming sector in England were key recommendations from the Rock Review into agricultural tenancies which reported in 2022.

See also: Where now for the tenanted farm sector?

TFA chief executive George Dunn said the association strongly supports both, and therefore it is essential that they are widely understood and used across the sector.

He said: “This survey will measure the current level of awareness of the code and the commissioner and will be repeated when the role of the commissioner comes up for review in two years’ time.

“It will also be used to set priorities for the work of the commissioner in the months ahead.

“We would encourage everyone with an interest in the landlord tenant sector of agriculture to engage with this survey.

“It is so important for the sector that we have strong measures in place to promote good conduct and to root out the bad practice that we so often experience.”

The survey, which takes about 10 minutes to complete, aims to capture the views, experiences and needs of the tenant farming community, helping to shape the commissioner’s future priorities and engagement.

Over recent months, the commissioner Alan Laidlaw and his team have been visiting tenants and landlords across England, from the South West to the North East.

They have listened to first-hand experiences, including time spent in Cumbria and the Duddon Valley learning about Landscape Recovery projects and upland tenancies.

Impartial role

Mr Laidlaw said: “Regularly meeting and talking with tenants, landlords, agents and other stakeholders is central to my role.

“By being an impartial and accessible point of contact, my aim is to stay close to what is happening across the sector, spot issues early, encourage positive change, and celebrate good practice before problems escalate.”

The survey closes on 6 March 2026. Responses are welcomed from anyone involved in tenant farming and can be completed online via the Defra survey portal.