Powys County Council is set to consult with tenants, farming unions and YFCs as well as the public over proposals for its farm estate.
The council's draft Farm Estate Policy – Supporting Sustainable Rural Futures – sets out the proposed strategic vision, management objectives and working practices for the council's rural estate. If approved it will replace the existing 2018 County Farm Estate Policy and Delivery Plan.
Council Leader Cllr Jake Berriman said:
“The draft Farm Estate Policy has already been tested and modified by the Farm Estate Advisory Group established to advise myself and Cabinet on the operational framework for the council rural estate. They will also help me to consider the consultation responses to help ensure that the new policy approach works for tenants, the environment, communities, and the council.
“The policy aims to ensure that the estate is a dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking asset, which supports the council’s broader ambitions set out in our Stronger Fairer Greener Corporate Plan, delivering our sustainable Powys approach. Used in conjunction with the council’s Corporate Asset Policy, the draft policy will support the council’s medium Term Financial Plan, but it is categorically not a route map or programme of asset sales.
“It is, however, an approach that seeks to rationalise our assets, dispose of liabilities and retain land wherever possible to maximise new opportunities to support resilient local food networks and farming, to create a resilient, productive, and inclusive rural estate that nurtures the land, supports communities, and contributes to a prosperous, sustainable rural economy.
“We are keen to work with the industry and are planning to consult with current tenants, farming unions and YFCs. There will be wide-ranging public consultation across a variety of platforms, including local newspapers and digital media, to encourage feedback from a wide range of sources and stakeholders.”
The policy will be considered at a meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday August 19.
