Tenant farmers on the Duchy of Cornwall estate face a difficult choice to buy their holdings or leave as part of a major land sell-off.
Up to 40 farm holdings across Devon, Cornwall, Herefordshire, and the Midlands could be affected by the ten-year property strategy, according to the Tenant Farmers Association. The estate plans to sell off up to 20% of its portfolio to raise £500m for local community investments, affordable housing, and environmental projects.
The Duchy is offloading a fifth of its portfolio, consolidating around five geographic “heartlands.” The Duchy’s chief executive, Will Bax, has said the organisation should not simply exist to own land, but should deliver a positive impact.
Fears Over Bradninch Sales
Families on the 3,000-acre Bradninch estate in Devon have raised concerns after being offered the opportunity to purchase their properties or leave. Local politicians note that some tenants have lived near the estate for decades and are “experiencing enormous mental and emotional distress” over the process.
Nine farming tenants are affected by the proposed sale, including families who have worked the land for generations, raising concerns about the future of established agricultural businesses. An investigation by The Observer’s political editor Rachel Sylvester, published on Sunday (25 October), revealed growing anxiety among farmers and residents facing difficult decisions about their properties.
“I thought this was something that could never happen. There was always an understanding that we had a home for the rest of our lives,” an unnamed tenant told The Observer.
Other tenants warned that purchasing properties risks pushing families into “the opportunity to go into generational debt.” John Palmer, a retired surgeon, spoke of a pervasive feeling of “abandonment” among tenants, questioning whether the Prince had the moral authority to sell by stating that he is a custodian rather than an owner.
As Prince of Wales, King Charles was a regular visitor who knew tenants by name, penned personal condolence letters, and sent thoughtful gifts. He would join the local shoot, affectionately dubbed the “Bradninch Rabbit Clearance Society,” and linger afterwards for tea or whisky with the farmers.
🚨 Tenant farmers on the Duchy of Cornwall's 3,000-acre Bradninch estate in Devon face an uncertain future, with some fearing they could lose their livelihoods if they cannot afford to buy the farms they currently rent READ MORE: https://t.co/PHGwgohyOI pic.twitter.com/FZI0cPBVHs
Matthew Morris Apologises and Agrees to New Estate Valuations
Duchy rural director Matthew Morris visited the Bradninch estate to meet with residents and offer apologies over handling issues.
The Tenant Farmers Association previously said it had received assurances that tenants would not be made homeless. The Observer further reports that Morris acknowledged he had underestimated the time needed to dispose of such a substantial estate, and reached an agreement with tenants to permit new independent valuations, jointly instructed by both the tenants and the duchy.
“We are engaging with people directly and supporting them through the process with care and respect,” said a Duchy spokeswoman. A spokesperson also stated: “We recognise that these are important and deeply personal decisions. These changes are part of a long-term strategy to direct future Duchy of Cornwall investment where it can deliver the greatest benefit for communities, farming, nature and the local economy. We will continue to support tenants with care, respect and fairness, whatever decision they ultimately make.”
The Duchy has recently rolled out the 25-year Regenerative Farm Business Tenancies (rFBTs), with the first being the 950-acre Monkhall Farm.
Tenant Association Talks
Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn said that the organisation is engaged in deep discussions with the Duchy regarding valuation and timing uncertainties.
Dunn welcomed assurances on homelessness but warned that not every farmer “will be able or want to buy the farms that they operate and fair alternatives must be explored for those for whom ownership is unaffordable.” Dunn said that once a family is informed that its long-term relationship with the Duchy may change permanently, that uncertainty lives with them 24/7.
The Duchy confirmed that eight out of nine farming tenants in Bradninch are in active discussions regarding the opportunity to purchase their farms.
The Duchy confirmed that around two-thirds of residential tenants are also exploring the opportunity to purchase their homes.