Powys County Council's Cabinet met to discuss and approve a proposal to consult on a new Farm Estate Policy, which aims to replace the 2018 version and address concerns about the sale of farm estate assets. The consultation period was extended to six weeks to ensure broad engagement, and the Farm Estate Advisory Group's paper will be shared with members. The Cabinet also discussed the importance of sustainable land use, community involvement, and financial responsibility in managing the farm estate.

Farm Estate Policy Consultation

Cabinet members voted to approve a proposal to go out to consultation on the draft Farm Estate Policy. The policy sets out the strategic vision, management objectives, and operational framework for the council's rural estate. The consultation period was extended from the initially proposed 28 days to six weeks, and will be supported by a structured communications plan.

County Councillor Jake Berriman, Leader and Cabinet Member for People, Performance and Partnerships, explained that the policy is intended to replace the 2018 version and respond to concerns raised by the Full Council in July 2025, including unease over the sale of farm estate assets.

The draft policy had already incorporated feedback from the Chair and Vice Chair of the Farm Estate Advisory Group (FEAG), as well as the full FEAG. Councillor Jake Berriman advised that meetings with farming unions and tenant associations have already been scheduled to ensure broad engagement on the draft policy.

The policy aims to promote sustainable and regenerative farming practices, including water management and diversification into horticulture to support local food networks. It also seeks to address climate and nature emergencies through the strategic use of land assets.

Several councillors voiced their opinions on the policy:

• County Councillor Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, welcomed the policy's focus on sustainable communities and long-term planning, and encouraged stronger integration of the Welsh language amongst farming communities.
• County Councillor Sandra Davies, Cabinet Member for Future Generations, emphasised Powys's central role in Wales and the importance of promoting the Welsh language.
• County Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, supported the policy's alignment with climate and nature emergencies, and stressed the importance of inclusive consultation.
• County Councillor Raiff Devlin, Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, highlighted the importance of engaging all Powys residents, particularly young farmers and agricultural workers.
• County Councillor Sian Cox, Cabinet Member for a Caring Powys, praised the policy's alignment with the seven well-being goals¹ and supported outreach to underrepresented farming sectors.
• County Councillor Beverley Baynham, welcomed the consultation but expressed concern over the short timeframe.
• County Councillor Gary Mitchell summarised the Farm Estate Advisory Group's concerns, particularly around historic underinvestment and unclear financial models.

Reinvestment of Capital Receipts

County Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Transformation, sought clarification regarding the reinvestment of capital receipts from farm estate sales, noting that the 2018 policy had set a 10% reinvestment target but understood this had not been implemented.

The Section 151 Officer² confirmed that while the 2018 farm estate policy included a 10% reinvestment aspiration, this had been overridden by the Council's approved Capital and Treasury Management Strategy. Under current policy, all capital receipts are treated as corporate receipts and allocated through the Council's standard capital framework, meaning no automatic reinvestment into the farm estate is in place.