Sustainable Farming
Responsible and sustainable farming is central to the Duchy of Lancaster’s approach to land stewardship. Farming in harmony with nature reduces artificial inputs, strengthens margins, and helps build resilient farm businesses. It also supports environmental recovery, improves mental wellbeing, and enhances the wider community’s enjoyment of the countryside.
Working in Partnership with Our Tenants
Our rural surveyors work closely with our tenants, offering regular support and building strong, long-term relationships. Our partnership with agricultural tenants goes far beyond contractual obligations: we provide professional guidance, practical advice and opportunities to collaborate.
We also host farm tenant dinners—our popular “Pie and Pint” evenings—which bring tenants together to share best practice, support wellbeing and strengthen community connections.
Using Data to Shape a Balanced Landscape
The Duchy is using innovative geospatial mapping techniques and national datasets to analyse our rural estate — from habitats and public rights of way to carbon emissions and sequestration. This evidence-based approach helps us balance farming with nature.
It is important to us to maintain a diverse mix of dairy, livestock and arable farms, while also increasing biodiversity through habitat improvement, our woodland and hedgerow planting programme, flood management schemes and the encouragement of responsible public access.
Progress and Positive Engagement
Tenant engagement is strong, with 85% responding to our recent farm questionnaire. Of these, 85% of farmers considered considered regenerative farming important. Almost a quarter of Duchy farms have already adopted regenerative practices and a further 50% are beginning to make the shift.
Meanwhile, 90% of tenants are taking steps to enhance biodiversity—through reducing insecticide use, creating wildlife corridors, planting woodland and hedgerows, or setting land aside for nature.
Supporting Sustainable Innovation
The Duchy offers financial support to tenants pursuing sustainability initiatives. Recent grants have helped fund direct drills, which provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional ploughing. Direct drilling (or no-till farming) protects soil structure, reduces erosion, improves water retention and lowers runoff—helping to safeguard nearby waterways. It also cuts fuel use and carbon emissions, supporting climate-friendly food production.
Monitoring Progress Through the Soil Exchange Programme
A third of Duchy farms are now part of the Soil Association Exchange (SAX) programme. Over the next four years we will track their progress and share learning on soil health, biodiversity improvement and carbon reduction.
Setting Expectations Through Our Tenancies
When granting or renewing farm tenancies, we work closely with applicants on sustainable farming measures. Our Sustainable Farm Business Tenancy includes clear commitments and measurable outcomes, ensuring farms remain both viable and aligned with our environmental goals.
“Nature has the answers—we just need to ask the right questions.”