Nadia Cenci: In Suffolk, our farms are not just about agriculture

Cllr Nadia Cenci is the Deputy Cabinet Member for Property and County Farms on Suffolk County Council.

When I was first asked by the Leader of Suffolk County council, Matthew Hicks, to take on a deputy cabinet role looking after the council’s farms and buildings, I was quite taken aback and needed a moment. Having been born in the East of London and then moved to Ipswich town in the 70s I knew very little about farming but I love a new challenge and to learn about something completely new, so I agreed to the new role and I’m so pleased that I did.

What a delight it has been so far to meet farmers all over Suffolk and learn how there are no two the same, each invaluable to our county and country.

County councils in England own farms primarily as “county farms” or “smallholdings.” These farms were originally established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to provide opportunities for people, particularly young or inexperienced farmers, to enter agriculture.

Introduced under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act of 1908 and expanded after World War I, the aims were to help returning soldiers settle into farming, to encourage rural employment and preserve agricultural skills. As important today as it was then…

We continue to manage these farms, although their role has evolved. Their current purposes include:

Supporting New Farmers

• Offering affordable tenancy agreements to individuals who might not otherwise afford to buy land.
• Acting as an entry point into farming, helping tenants establish themselves before moving to larger farms.

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

• Encouraging environmentally friendly farming practices.
• Using farms to implement and demonstrate sustainable land management techniques.

Generating revenue for local services

• Renting out land to farmers generates income for councils, which is reinvested into local services.
• Some councils have diversified farm use by incorporating renewable energy projects or educational programs.

Community and Educational Initiatives

• Providing educational resources and outdoor learning opportunities for schools and local communities.
• Supporting local food production and supply chains.

In recent years, many county councils have placed a greater emphasis on environmental sustainability in the management of their farms. This shift aligns with national and global goals related to climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems.

Environmental initiatives includes enhancing biodiversity, reducing pollution, restoring hedgerows, as well as pursuing carbon reduction, soil health, wildflowers, water & flood management and renewable energy projects – although I am not a fan of solar monstrosities taking over farmland. But that’s another subject for another day.

Suffolk County Council has 12,212 acres of county farm estates, the majority of which are tenanted, and a gross County farms estate rent roll of £1,516,110 in 2023/24.

I visited several of these, enjoyed the diversity and learning, with my favourite so far being the Pathways Care Farm in Lowestoft.

Pathways Care Farm operates on an 13-acre sanctuary comprising agricultural land and traditional buildings. After the previous tenant retired, Suffolk County Council leased the property to this social enterprise. The farm provides therapeutic activities and work experience for individuals with mental health issues, disabilities, or those seeking a supportive environment. This initiative supports vulnerable individuals by offering them new skills, growing confidence, and outdoor peace.

Last year they celebrated their 10th anniversary and volunteers have contributed over 150,000 hours over the years. It is an amazing place.

One of their animals, the alpaca, is used daily for therapeutic reasons and is taken on daily walks.

Alpacas are often described as having a calming influence on both people and other animals, and this effect can be traced to several key traits and behaviours:

Alpacas are naturally docile, quiet, and curious animals. They don’t tend to act aggressively and generally move slowly and gracefully, which creates a peaceful presence. This gentle energy can help ease anxiety or stress in humans and reduce tension in other animals. In some countries they are also used to protect other livestock from predators.

Alpacas enjoy socializing but are not pushy. They’ll approach calmly and allow for gentle touch, which makes them ideal for therapeutic settings such as brushing them, feeding them, or simply being near them, which can lower cortisol and increase oxytocin (linked to bonding and relaxation). Who knew?!

By offering quiet companionship and fostering a serene environment, alpacas contribute significantly to the therapeutic goals of care farms.

The value of all our farms cannot be overstated and in December 2024 the full council passed a motion, not only to recognise the importance of farms in protecting our natural landscapes, but to also support farmers in the face of Labour’s changes to Agricultural Property relief.

As I’ve found out in my new responsibility, farms are not just about agriculture – they are very much about people.