The council recognises that some plans involving county council-owned land are already underway and, in many cases, have been developed over a number of years.
While existing proposals will continue to be considered on their individual merits, any opportunities to sell will be subject to exceptional scrutiny by cabinet members. They will only proceed where there is clear and compelling evidence that it delivers significant benefits for Suffolk's agricultural sector, local communities, and the long-term future of farming and food production.
Councillor Morgan Brobyn, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Food, Waste and Rural Affairs, said:
"This is a very straightforward decision for me. Agriculture is incredibly important to Suffolk, and as a county council 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. They support food security, food production, nature recovery, rural livelihoods and opportunities for future generations of farmers.
"The council's farmland is a long-term asset, and its value extends far beyond any immediate financial return. Decisions affecting our estate should reflect its contribution to Suffolk's economy, environment and rural communities.
"We have an outstanding farming community in Suffolk, and we want the council's county farms to continue creating opportunities for generations to come. Those priorities will guide how we manage the estate in future."
Paul Button, Chairman of the County Farms Tenants Association, welcomed the commitment to retaining county farms:
"For me, county farms are about opportunity. They give people the chance to establish themselves in farming, develop their 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 support for rural communities. As a tenant farmer, I am pleased to see a commitment to maintaining these opportunities for the long term."
