Farming is a long-term business. Decisions about business planning, infrastructure, environmental improvements and farm systems often take many years to deliver results.
Recognising the benefits that longer agreements can bring, the Farm Tenancy Forum has published new guidance on long-term Farm Business Tenancies.
The guidance was developed by the Farm Tenancy Forum and is available through the websites of forum member organisations, including the National Farmers Union (NFU), Tenant Farmers Association and Country Land and Business Association.
This new guidance will help landlords, tenants and their advisers think through the main considerations involved in agreeing a long-term tenancy.
Farming businesses, estates and landholdings all have different circumstances, and the guidance aims to support discussions that lead to agreements that are fair, practical and suited to the needs of both parties.
The guidance covers several areas that are often important when putting long-term agreements in place, including:
- setting clear intentions and expectations from the outset
- agreeing approaches to rent reviews
- clarifying responsibilities for repairs, maintenance and fixed equipment
- planning for improvements
- clarity on the end of tenancy process
- how to develop management plans for long-term farming and environmental objectives, while retaining flexibility to manage events
As every agreement is different, landlords and tenants should seek independent, professional advice before entering or changing a tenancy agreement.
Benefits
Long-term Farm Business Tenancies can help provide confidence to those who rent agricultural land or buildings to run a farm business and the landlords who own them.
Taking time to discuss issues early can help avoid misunderstandings later and support a strong working relationship over the life of the tenancy.
Adopting long-term agreements can give tenant farmers the security to plan ahead, invest and build resilience in their businesses. They allow landlords to secure long-term management and stewardship outcomes for their land. The Forum’s new guidance is intended to help more landlords and tenants consider how long-term agreements could work for them.
Learn more
The Farm Tenancy Forum brings together organisations representing both landlords and tenants, alongside professional advisers and government, to work on issues affecting the tenanted sector.
By bringing different perspectives together, the Forum helps encourage better understanding between landlords and tenants and supports stronger, more constructive working relationships. You can learn more about its membership and ways of working on GOV.UK.
Alan Laidlaw was appointed in September 2025 as the first Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector in England. Acting as an independent champion for the sector, he works to strengthen relationships between landlords and tenants.
Working with Defra and the Farm Tenancy Forum, he promotes the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice to improve fairness across the sector, investigate complaints and provide guidance.
You can sign up to The Farming Blog to receive updates from the Farm Tenancy Forum and from Alan, who blogs for us.
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