According to the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA), the agricultural shows taking place around the country over the next week or two provide a timely opportunity for tenants to discuss the recent developments relating to their sector.
"With the on-going work of Land Reform at Holyrood and Westminster, and the announcement by Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead that there will be a review of Agricultural Holdings legislation in 2014, we now have a real opportunity to tackle the problems faced by Scotland's tenant farmers," said STFA chairman Christopher Nicholson.
This year, for the first time, STFA will have a stand at Dumfries show. The south-west has large areas of tenanted land.
Speaking ahead of today's show, Mr Nicholson said: "We are pleased that, following the Cabinet Secretary's recent announcement, an open debate is developing around Land Reform and Agricultural Holdings legislation, including the absolute right-to-buy (ARTB) for tenants.
"Topics up for discussion include the test for setting farm rents, compensation to outgoing tenants for their improvements, and provisions for assignation and succession of farm tenancies.
Mr Nicholson firmly believes that family farms are the backbone of many rural communities, and all the arguments should be explored in full to ensure long term sustainable family farming in the tenanted areas for future generations. Tensions have been growing between landlords and tenants since the Cabinet Secretary laid out controversial plans to introduce ARTB.
He made the announcement at this year's Highland Show and said they would be part of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act review.
"Land Reform and changes to Agricultural Holdings legislation are part of the ongoing political process and it is vital tenants' views are heard," said Mr Nicholson.
"Of the 484 recently published submissions to the Land Reform Review Group, over half were from estates, landowners and their professional representatives, all happy with the current status quo. This has been interpreted by some as demonstrating little appetite for change amongst tenants, but the views heard by STFA at this summer's shows suggest a different picture," he added.
Market round-up
The Cumberland and Dumfries- shire Farmers Mart sold 4090 prime lambs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £113.50 per head and 237p per kg to average 201p (+11p on the week).
A much larger show of 6760 cast sheep were keenly bid for as the festival to mark the end of Ramadam is due in the middle of next week.
Heavy ewes sold to £130.50 for Texels and averaged £72.23 (+£3.61), while light ewes peaked at £72.50 for Cheviots and levelled at £38.27 (+£2.61).
Cast rams sold to £158.50 for a Texel and averaged £79.82 (+£7).
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