Tenant farmers are being urged to speak out on fairness and relationships with landowners as a new inquiry is launched across the tenant farming sector.
Alan Laidlaw, director of tenant farming, said the survey would help people assess how familiar they were with his role and the UK Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice.
The research aims to identify concerns early, before disputes escalate, improve behavior and strengthen collaboration across the industry.
It comes as some tenant farmers have expressed concerns about negotiating rents, accessing environmental schemes and securing long-term leases, particularly in highland areas where profit margins remain tight.
Mr Laidlaw’s office was established in September 2025 following the Lock Review and will act as a confidential point of contact for anyone wishing to raise concerns about unreasonable conduct in relation to the Code.
“My aim is to promote fair treatment and positive relationships across the tenant farming sector,” Mr Laidlaw said.
He said the responses would build a “clearer picture of the views, experiences and needs” across agricultural crofts, which would help shape future priorities and engagement.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is open to tenant farmers, landowners, agents and advisors. Closes on March 6, 2026.
Mr Laidlaw said regular meetings with stakeholders remained central to his role, helping him understand what was happening on the ground and driving positive change.
In recent months he and his team have traveled widely across England, meeting with people involved in tenant farming communities, including Cumbrian tenant farmers supported by the Farmer Network and Tenant Farmers’ Association.
“Hearing directly from tenants and hearing their day-to-day experiences is invaluable,” he said, adding that it would help represent them in discussions with farm tenant forums and Defra policymakers.
High-altitude leases have received particular attention, with Mr Laidlaw pointing out that the situation is very different and relationships can still be difficult.
He encouraged people across the industry to participate and share the survey link with others.
