Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk.
At a time when the farming sector faces so many challenges, Reform UK-led Suffolk County Council is strengthening its commitment to its county farms to support food production, rural communities and livelihoods for the long term, with opportunities for future generations of farmers, rather than treating them as assets for disposal.
Extending to over 12,000 acres, 88 agricultural tenants are dedicated to regional food security, producing cereal, vegetable and root crops, as well as cultivating and rearing livestock, whilst also improving biodiversity.
In future, any opportunities to sell will be subject to exceptional scrutiny by cabinet members and will only proceed where there is clear and compelling evidence of significant benefits for the agriculture sector. Meanwhile, existing proposals, developed over a number of years by the previous administration, will continue to be considered on their individual merits.
Councillor Morgan Brobyn, Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs, explains:
“This is a very straightforward decision for me. Agriculture is incredibly important to Suffolk and we should be doing everything in our power to support and protect it. County farms are much more than a line on a balance sheet. We have an outstanding farming community which makes an important contribution to Suffolk’s economy and environment.”
Welcoming the news, Paul Button, Chairman of the County Farms Tenants Association, adds:
“For me, as a tenant farmer, county farms are about opportunity. They give people the chance to establish themselves in farming, develop skills and build a sustainable business. Protecting these holdings helps safeguard that pathway for future tenants.
“It also recognises the wider value that county farms bring through food production, nature recovery and local neighbourhoods.”
Sustaining prime agricultural land is a clear priority for Suffolk County Council which has raised concerns over EcoPower Suffolk solar farm plans for a 2,200 acre solar and battery farm in Mid Suffolk, which includes solar panels, battery storage facilities and associated infrastructure.
Whilst acknowledging the importance of renewable energy in helping to meet national climate and energy goals, key issues haven’t been adequately addressed by the developer, including:
Cabinet member for Planning, Devolution and Fire service, Councillor Tristan Gale, confirms:
“The council objects on a number of grounds, most notably around 98 per cent of this project is on Suffolk’s best and most versatile agricultural land, with road access at best problematic. This comes on top of multiple energy schemes being dealt with by the district council and National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury pylon project.”
Cllr. Gale adds that “local communities and the council won improvements to the project in the last consultation, and will need to try and do this again before the application is sub mitted to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision.”
Under the Planning Act process, SCC’s role as a statutory consultee is to assess the proposals, represent local interests and seek improvements where necessary, and the council will continue to engage with EcoPower Suffolk.
At its meeting on 14th July, SCC’s cabinet approved the council’s consultation response to be submitted by the 16th August deadline.
Rural locations are hopeful that the new Westminster Government will develop a clear joined up strategy for delivering renewable energy, without ad hoc threats and serious disruption to prime agricultural land, businesses and communities, affecting self-sufficiency.