Tenant farmers and stakeholders have been invited, by the inaugural tenant farming Commissioner, to contribute to a short but important survey on the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for England (the Code).
It represents an important moment for all those within the sector across England to have their say in improving standards of behaviour and practice. The responses will be anonymous, and used to help the Commissioner focus where it ought to have the greatest impact and encourage fair practice across the sector.
The survey is just one element of a wider mission to encourage all those in the tenant farming sector in England to raise concerns about unreasonable behaviour relating to the Code.
We urged anyone involved in the sector to complete the survey before it closes on 6 March 2026.
The Commissioner role
The Commissioner, Alan Laidlaw, was appointed in September 2025 following the government’s response to the Rock Review into agricultural tenancies.
The programme includes a major review of agricultural tenancies (you can read more on this here.)
The objective of this new government-appointed role is to strengthen relationships and collaboration between tenant farmers, landlords and their advisers. Importantly, promoting standards of conduct, fairness and good practice under the Code will be a key focus.
Laidlaw has written about his “deep” farming ground here; and how the Commissioner’s role provides real potential to make a difference. Since being appointed, he and his team have been visiting tenants and landlords across England.
Poor practices
The Code (published in April 2024 on a key recommendation of the Rock Review) sets out guidance for the tenanted sector on the standards of behaviour expected from all landlords and tenants and their professional advisers.
Typical examples of poor conduct and unfair practices include unfair tenancy agreements; lack of critical investment by landlords; and opposition by landlords to tenants who want to sign up to environmental land management schemes (and similar).
And on a more general level, a 2024 survey by the Tenant Farmers Association found that 30% of tenant farmers said they felt bullied or harassed by landlords; rising to 37% for respondents dealing with landlords’ agents/representatives. Four in 10 also felt ignored by their landlords.
The government has recognised there is much work to be done to address longstanding concerns within the sector and improve conditions for tenant farmers. The Commissioner’s groundwork is undoubtedly a promising start.
The survey closes on 6 March 2026.
How we can help
The specialist Agriculture and Rural Affairs team at mfg Solicitors supports and represents tenant farmers and landlords in Worcestershire, Shropshire and the surrounding regions.
Please contact Alexandra Phillips at 01905 610410 or email her at alexandra.phillips@mfgsolicitors.com.