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15/10/26 Succession

Marking The Archers' 75th anniversary, we ask who will own and farm the land in 75 years' time, and what that means for family farming.

Over the past 75 years, the pattern of land ownership in the UK has changed dramatically. Farm businesses have grown larger, more farmers now own at least some of the land they work, and those who rent it are often doing so on shorter-term agreements. At the same time, there's growing interest from corporations, investors and lifestyle buyers, all competing for a stake in the countryside.

As part of a special week marking the 75th anniversary of The Archers and exploring the next 75 years of farming, today we're asking: who will own and run the farms of 2101?

We visit Eastbrook Farm in Wiltshire, home to Helen Browning, Chief Executive of the Soil Association. Despite farming there for decades, she doesn't own the land. We'll explore the succession challenges facing farming families in Ambridge and beyond, and ask whether the family farm will still be a recognisable feature of the British countryside 75 years from now.

Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Release date:

14 minutes

On radio

Thu 15 Oct 202605:45

Broadcasts

  • Thu 15 Oct 202605:45
  • Thu 15 Oct 202613:45

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