How Do You Become a County Farms Tenant?

It is not practicable to lay down an absolute specification for a tenant. When we are considering new applicants for our farms, we will assess prospective tenants against the following general criteria. Above all, we are looking for tenants who can demonstrate their fitness, aptitude, and commitment to the farm they are applying for. The application must include a well-prepared business plan, and evidence of sufficient funding. Prospective tenants must be keen, enterprising, adaptable, and hardworking in order to succeed. All applications will be judged on their merits.

County farm tenants in 1961: Vic Clarke, Nipper Clarke, Raymond Mann, and Jack Mann. (Picture courtesy of J. Mann)

• Applications will be considered from individuals of any age that have the appropriate experience. Normally it is expected that applicants will be aged between 24 and 45.
• Applicants should have at least five years practical experience of farming. This can include up to three years of approved further education or training. You should be able to show that you have obtained sufficient experience in the type of farming or enterprise for which you are applying.
• Where the holding is small and diversification is proposed, the applicant should be able to show sufficient experience in the proposed enterprise.
• Holdings are only available to persons who are prepared to farm them personally. Where houses are provided, the tenant is required to reside on the holding.
• Applications from persons who are already established farmers in their own right, or who intend to run the County Farm as an extension to an existing business, will not be considered.
• Evidence of sufficient financial support to enable the proposed business to be established is to be provided.
• Applicants will not be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, race, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or age (however, in respect of age, see the first bullet point above).
• Whilst due regard will be had to the level of rental offers submitted, we reserve the right not to accept the highest or any offer made.
• We will be looking for someone who is willing to co-operate with the County Council in the delivery of its wider corporate objectives. This may include, but is not limited to, environmental enhancement, education, and public access.

To find our more, contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions.