Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out the Hampshire County Farms Annual report 2021/22.

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services setting out the Hampshire County Farms Annual report 2021/22.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services for pre-scrutiny, before consideration by the Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs, providing an update on progress made in 2021/22 to incorporate the new county farms policy priorities into operational practice (Item 7 in the Minute Book).

A presentation was shown to the Committee which highlighted key areas of the report.  The priorities of the new policy were set out to Members, as well as the work to promote Hampshire County Farms.  It was noted that there were nine priority outcomes which new tenants have signed up to deliver, and the importance of climate change resilience as part of these was also highlighted.  In relation to training courses and performance protocol for new tenants, it was heard that The Prince’s Trust has training courses for new tenants, and there was help to ensure new tenants have an understanding of the performance protocol.

The presentation concluded in looking forward to 2022/23, and it was explained that ten county farms have joined farmer cluster groups which would provide collaboration of farmers for the benefit of the wider landscape.  Partnership working with CPRE Hampshire for the second phase of their Hedgerow Heroes project was highlighted, and it was heard that it was planned to plant two kilometres of hedgerow and this was due to commence in the winter.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed that:

·       There have been some tenant retirements in previous years, and some tenants have moved on to new farms as opportunities have arisen.

·       Tenants can raise any issues with the County Farms Service, and there is help for tenants with timings of rental payments if this is causing concern.

·       In relation to training, there have been discussions with Sparsholt College around this, and also testing of collaborations with other Counties and lesson learning.  Tenants are also provided with information toolkits, and are encouraged to keep themselves up to date with training and learning opportunities.

·       Tenants are aware of nitrate rules which must be followed, and there is regular spot testing.

·       New tenants do often arrive with lots of new ideas, and opportunities are also flagged to existing tenants.  Some farm shops also have aspirations to only supply Hampshire county farm food.

·       In terms of rental, a sustainable level of rent is required to be paid.

The Committee thanked the presenting officer for an informative presentation.

RESOLVED:

The contents of this first annual Hampshire County Farms report and newsletter was noted by the Culture and Communities Select Committee, and the Committee supported its consideration by the Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs.