Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth.

That the Farms Estate Strategy be adopted for a ten-year period, enabling the Council to deliver a structured, sustainable, and future-focused approach to the management of its agricultural holdings.

Reason for the decision

The previous strategy expired in 2021, and the need for a new framework had been crystallised by changes in national agricultural policy and the Council’s adoption of the Strategic Asset Management Plan. The new strategy provided clarity of purpose, aligned with statutory obligations under the Agriculture Act 1970, and supported the Council’s wider ambitions for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development.

Cabinet received a report proposing a new 10-year strategy for the management of Dorset Council’s Farms Estate. The strategy set out a refreshed vision for the estate, building on the previous 2016–2021 plan and aligning with the Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan adopted in October 2024. The Farms Estate was recognised as an asset that contributed to Dorset’s rural economy, environmental goals, and community wellbeing. The strategy aimed to ensure the estate was managed sustainably, supported new entrants into farming, and delivered long-term benefits for residents and the wider environment.

The Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Development thanked the members of the Farms Executive Advisory Panel for their involvement and support in producing the strategy.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Chairman of the Dorset Tenant Farmers Association had submitted a statement in respect of the item, and this had been published with the agenda papers.

Most members who addressed Cabinet supported the report and the strategy attached to it. However, concerns were expressed about the potential future disposal of any part of the farm estate and the need that important financial investment wouldn’t be met. The Cabinet Member confirmed that capital receipts could not be ring-fenced, but a business case would be submitted for any identified investments needed within the farm estate. This would be considered alongside other competing priorities.

In response to questions about food security, the Cabinet Member advised that as part of the Council Plan, the Council had an aspiration that 70% of Council Farms would be managed using sustainable farming practices that balance food production and nature by 2030.

Decision

That the Farms Estate Strategy be adopted for a ten-year period, enabling the Council to deliver a structured, sustainable, and future-focused approach to the management of its agricultural holdings.

Reason for the decision

The previous strategy expired in 2021, and the need for a new framework had been crystallised by changes in national agricultural policy and the Council’s adoption of the Strategic Asset Management Plan. The new strategy provided clarity of purpose, aligned with statutory obligations under the Agriculture Act 1970, and supported the Council’s wider ambitions for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community development.