§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the availability of farm tenancies for young farmers; and what plans she has to facilitate more opportunities for new entrants to farming. [45314]
§ Mr. MorleyA policy evaluation review of the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 is currently being carried out by the University of Plymouth. This includes an assessment of the impact the Act has had on the availability of tenancies to new entrants. The Policy Commission on Food and Farming has also made a number of recommendations which are intended to make farming more attractive and accessible to new entrants.
832WThe University of Plymouth review is nearing completion and the final report is expected shortly. We will be considering the recommendations made by the research team in detail over the coming months and at the same time will consider the Policy Commission recommendations on tenancy and new entrant issues.