Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Conduct for Wales

The Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice for Wales has now been published. This is a positive development for the tenant farming sector in Wales, and a wonderful opportunity for me to say “I told you so”. 

In November 2024, I wrote an article for the Shropshire Star on the English counterpart in which I commented that it “may well indicate the general direction of travel in Wales as well.” 

See, I told you so. 

Anyone reading the new Code for Wales may well feel a sense of déjà vu as it tracks extremely closely the wording of the Code for England. This is not surprising. The expert panel responsible for the Code for Wales consisted largely of the Welsh branches of those organisations involved in drafting the English version. 

However, the context in which the Code for Wales has been produced is different. Gone is any reference to the Rock Review, limited as it was to English matters. In its place is an introduction focusing on the ways Wales' tenant farming sector (which encompasses approximately one third of all farmed land in Wales) can support “the rural economy, Welsh culture and language and contributes to the Wellbeing of Future Generation Act goals.” 

The most material difference between the two is in the three key principles. The three Cs of clarity, communication and collaboration have become two Cs and an MR. Collaboration has been replaced in the Code for Wales with Mutual Respect: 

the Code encourages a spirit of mutual respect. This is based on the belief that landlords, tenants and their professional advisers can achieve much more when they listen to each other and respect each other’s point of view and seek to work together in a positive spirit of common endeavour.

The authors of the Code for Wales considered that collaboration was instead integral to all three principles “as all parties are expected to work together to support each other in their respective roles.” 

Whilst neither Code is binding, they are both important documents for setting the tone for landlord and tenant relations. The publication of the Code for Wales helps ensure Welsh tenants are not left behind their English peers as the industry continues to evolve. 

the Code encourages a spirit of mutual respect. This is based on the belief that landlords, tenants and their professional advisers can achieve much more when they listen to each other and respect each other’s point of view and seek to work together in a positive spirit of common endeavour.

https://e7khmzusnnx.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Agricultural-Landlord-Tenant-Code-of-Practice-for-Wales-English-Version-April-2026.pdf