The Duchy of Cornwall is advancing a ten-year plan to raise £500 million through the sale of farms and land across England, potentially affecting up to 40 agricultural holdings in Devon, Cornwall, Herefordshire, and parts of the Midlands.
Scope of Sales
According to the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), sales have already begun on the Bradninch estate near Cullompton, Devon, where nine farms are under review. The programme has since been expanded to include the Duloe Estate in Cornwall and individual properties elsewhere in those regions.
Tenant Reactions
Local farmers report significant distress over the prospect of losing long-term tenancies or being forced into costly purchases. Former GP Mary Ryan, a local Lib Dem councillor with 35 years of residence nearby, said some tenants are experiencing 'enormous mental and emotional distress' due to uncertainty about future arrangements.
The TFA chief executive, George Dunn, stated that poor communication from the Duchy has led to prolonged confusion among tenants regarding farm valuations, timelines, and available options. He emphasized that once families learn their long-standing relationship may end permanently, they face ongoing anxiety — a situation he described as lasting '24/7'.
Duchy’s Position
A spokesperson for the Duchy confirmed it is engaging directly with each tenant and supporting them through the process ‘with care and respect’. The estate acknowledged differences in individual circumstances and maintains a case-by-case approach.
Matthew Morris, the Duchy's rural director, told BBC News he is actively listening to feedback from farmers and offering mental health support where needed. He stressed that while sales are underway, there are no immediate evictions or 'cliff edges' in place — and that the estate remains committed to agriculture.
Morris noted that many tenants see farm ownership as a generational aspiration: 'My grandfather wanted to buy his farm. My father wanted to buy the farm. And now I've got the opportunity and it's an amazing outcome.' This sentiment underpins much of the current dialogue within the farming community.
The Duchy, established in 1337, currently manages around 700 agricultural lettings, including approximately 300 whole-farm holdings comprising farmhouse, land, and buildings. Tenancies range from time-limited agreements to lifelong contracts with options for inheritance through families.
While the estate has stated that no tenant will be made homeless, George Dunn cautioned that not every farmer can or wants to purchase their holding — and fair alternatives must be explored for those who face financial barriers.
The £500 million raised is intended for investment in local communities, affordable housing, and environmental projects. The Duchy maintains it is committed to agriculture but acknowledges there may be further disposals in future.