Union calls for flexible tenancies
30 January 2001
Union calls for flexible tenancies
By FWi staff
TENANT farmers find it difficult to diversify because the current system for renting farmland is too inflexible, claims the National Farmers Union.
Changes must be made to the Farm Business Tenancies system to protect this vulnerable sector of agriculture, says the union.
More flexible tenancy agreements dealing with diversification problems and agri-environment schemes would be a major help, believes the NFU.
The NFU is consulting members on what changes should be made as part of the long-awaited review of the Agricultural Tenancies Act, 1995.
NFU tenants committee chairman Ken Oliver said: “Tenant farmers are one of the most vulnerable groups. This review must ensure their best interests are fully reflected.”
The NFU also wants to see tax incentives to encourage landowners to let whole farms or to let land for longer periods.
Statutory three-year rent-review periods and a more equitable system of rents will also be on the NFU agenda.