Defra has announced it will proceed with the appointment of a commissioner for the tenant farming sector in England.

The idea came from the recommendations of the Rock Review into agricultural tenancies, conducted by Baroness Kate Rock in 2022. 

It follows the launch of the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice earlier this year, which provides guidance on the standards of behaviour expected from landlords and tenants as well as those providing professional advice in connection with agricultural tenancy matters.

The new Commissioner will be appointed through an open competition process by Spring 2025. 

Kerriann McLackland, the CRT’s Head of Estates, said she welcomed the announcement of the role, the first of its kind in England. 

She said: “The CRT takes a collaborative approach to working with our tenants - recognising that we need to work in partnership to deliver sustainable, innovative nature friendly farming.  

"We have already adopted the guide as an enhancement to our ways of working with our tenants.”