Over 150 people have attended a Public Meeting in Sarn that ended in a vote calling on Powys County Council to impose a moratorium on the sale of its council-owned farms.
The public meeting had been called by Kerry Community Council in response to growing concerns about Powys County Council selling off parts of its tenanted farm estate. The meeting took place at Sarn Village Hall on Tuesday evening (27th May) and followed confirmation that some tenancies are not being renewed, leaving younger farmers and families uncertain about their future.
Over 150 people attended the meeting, the meeting was chaired by David Jones, the Chair of Kerry Community Council, with two senior council officers in attendance who gave a short presentation and answered question from the floor.
Also in attendance was Montgomeryshire MS, Russell George. Mr George 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, Russell 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.