15 minutes with...

In this episode, CLA President Gavin Lane speaks with Alan Laidlaw, England's first Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector. Alan discusses his newly created role, which emerged from the Rock Review, and shares insights into promoting best practices and addressing challenges in tenant farming relationships.
Key topics include:
• The Commissioner's role and day-to-day responsibilities
• Economic pressures facing broad acre and dairy farmers
• The importance of landlord-tenant collaboration and communication
• Real-world case studies from upland farming communities
• Learning from Scotland's tenant farming commission experience
• How landlords and tenants can engage with the Commissioner's office
Alan emphasises the value of understanding each party's objectives, building positive relationships, and working together to navigate change in the agricultural sector. He also provides practical advice on the Tenant Farming Code of Practice and encourages both landlords and tenants to reach out to his office—whether to celebrate successes or seek help with difficult situations.

How can siblings work together to run a successful rural enterprise?
Kenton Hall Estate in Suffolk is truly a family affair, with siblings Tom McVeigh, Lucy McVeigh and Emily Aitchison at the heart of the estate's diversified businesses. 
On top of the 450-acre arable farm's exploration into hazelnuts and walnuts, the estate is home to a variety of diversifications, including a wedding venue, glamping site, hen party packages, cookery school, Duke of Edinburgh scheme residential courses and a micro bakery.
In this episode of '15 minutes with...', CLA East Director Cath Crowther sits down with the trio for an honest look at how they work together and balance farming on the estate with innovation, environmental resilience and entrepreneurial drive.

Open Farm Sunday: 20 Years of Reconnecting Britain with Farming
Join us for a special conversation with Ian Pigott, founder of Open Farm Sunday, as we celebrate two decades of this transformative initiative. Since 2006, Open Farm Sunday has welcomed 3.2 million children onto British farms, bridging the gap between urban communities and agricultural life.
In this episode, Ian shares:
The inspiration behind Open Farm Sunday and its Danish roots
Powerful stories of children transformed by farm experiences
Why honest, transparent storytelling about farming matters
The challenges and opportunities in agricultural careers
How initiatives like Clarkson's Farm are changing public perception
The future of farmer-led communication in an uncertain world
Whether you're involved in agriculture, education, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of opening farm gates and sharing authentic stories.

CLA Land Use Chief Susan Twining sits down with Baroness Minette Batters to discuss her groundbreaking Farming Profitability Review and life in the House of Lords. Minette shares insights on the disconnect between rural and urban Britain, why agriculture's true economic value is vastly underestimated, and her vision for a partnership approach between government and the farming industry. From the challenges of influencing legislation to the exciting opportunities for UK agriculture to lead the world in sustainable food production, this conversation offers a candid look at the future of British farming and the urgent need for policy reform.

CLA President Gavin Lane sits down with Julia Aglionby, Director of the Foundation for Common Land, to discuss the critical challenges facing England's upland farmers. Julia shares insights from 25+ years of living and farming in the Eden Valley, exploring why government policy struggles to support these vital landscapes.
Topics include funding shortfalls in environmental schemes, the invisible contributions of upland communities, balancing conservation with food production, and managing the pressures of 20 million annual visitors to areas like the Lake District. A must-listen for anyone interested in rural policy, sustainable farming, and the future of Britain's treasured upland landscapes.