Packed meeting tells council to “stop selling our farms!”
Organised by Kerry Community Council, the meeting was held in response to growing concerns about Powys County Council selling off parts of its tenanted farm estate.
It follows confirmation that some tenancies are not being renewed, leaving younger farmers and families uncertain about their future.
It chaired by David Jones, the Chair of Kerry Community Council, with two senior council officers in attendance who gave a short presentation and answered questions from the floor.
Also in attendance was Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George, who has previously raised the issue in the Senedd, warning that the sell-off of public farms across Wales is not only damaging to rural communities but short-sighted in the context of food security and agricultural succession.
During a recent debate in the Senedd, Mr George called on the Welsh Government to place a moratorium on the sale of council-owned farms, arguing they are a critical asset that should be protected.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr George MS, said: “I would like to thank Kerry Community Council for hosting this important meeting. There is growing concern that Powys County Council is selling of parts of its tenanted farm estate. When you start selling the family silver, you are going down a dangerous path.
“Council-owned farms make a very valuable contribution to local food production, the rural economy, and to enabling new entrants into farming. The approach now being taken by the current Liberal Democrat and Labour administration at Powys County Council risks cutting off a vital route into the industry for the next generation of farmers.
“During a recent debate in the Senedd, I made the point that If County farms are managed properly, they don’t just support food production, they’re also a valuable revenue stream for local authorities. Selling them off for short-term financial gain will have long-term consequences for our area.
“The council farm system is a vital means for new entrants to gain a foothold in agriculture. Selling off these estates to plug financial holes is misguided.”
The meeting ended with a motion being put forward that:
· Recognised the valuable contribution that council-owned farms play in supporting food production and enabling young entrants into farming.
· Regretting that selling council-owned farms risks reducing Powys food security and traditional farming practices, and
· Called on Powys County Council to impose a moratorium on the sale of its council-owned farms.
The vote was carried with no votes against the proposal.
In response to the meeting, a spokesperson for Powys County Council said this morning:
“The council is undertaking a strategic rationalisation of its property estate including its commercial and county farms portfolio in line with its Corporate Asset Policy, which has been agreed by Cabinet. This is to ensure that our assets are managed efficiently, sustainably and aligns with the evolving needs of our communities.
“By reviewing and streamlining our property holdings, we aim to reduce maintenance liabilities, improve operational efficiency, and release capital from underutilised or surplus assets.
“The capital receipts generated through this process will be reinvested to support the delivery of the council’s priority projects – enhancing essential services, modernising infrastructure and driving forward our long-term vision for a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys and that we become more sustainable.”
PICTURE: Courtesy of Russell George MS Facebook page.
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