Duchy of Lancaster Launches Inaugural Survey of Farming Tenants

24 February 2026

Duchy of Lancaster Launches Inaugural Survey of Farming Tenants

The Duchy of Lancaster has today announced the results of its first-ever survey of its farming tenants, designed to gather their views on sustainable land management and provide valuable insights into the practices, priorities, and experiences of those managing the Duchy’s agricultural estates.

The survey comes at a time of change for farmers, with evolving market conditions and climate change shaping agricultural practices across the country. Despite these pressures, Duchy tenants continue to show resilience and innovation, maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable and responsible land management.

Survey Highlights:

Strong Support for Sustainability: 85% of tenants consider regenerative farming important for environmental sustainability and land health, underscoring the alignment between tenant priorities and the Duchy’s stewardship ethos.
Adoption of Regenerative farming: Almost a quarter of Duchy farms have already adopted some regenerative farming practices, with a further 50% starting to adopt regenerative farming practices; showing early momentum towards more sustainable farming methods.
Biodiversity: 90% responded that they have been actively trying to improve biodiversity on the farm.
Interest in Future Technologies: Tenants show strong interest in renewable and sustainable technologies, including solar energy (64%)

Tenant farmers Janet and Andrew Smalley whose family has run Wood End Farm in Lancashire for over 100 years. Janet and Andrew are practicing advocates of regenerative farming – working in harmony with nature.

Alastair Martin, CEO of the Duchy of Lancaster, commented:
"This inaugural survey gives us a unique window into the experiences of our farming tenants and the incredible work they do to care for the land, even during these challenging times.

The strong support for regenerative practices and recognition of their environmental importance is encouraging. It reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and innovation, ensuring that our estates continue to thrive for generations to come.”

The survey also highlights areas where we can work together with the tenants and facilitate cluster groups to share knowledge and experience. Key barriers to sustainability adoption identified by tenants include financial constraints, tenancy length, and knowledge gaps, particularly around the potential financial impact on their business —factors that continue to challenge the wider adoption of sustainable farming practices.

The results of the survey will guide the Duchy’s future support programmes, helping tenants access practical advice, training, and resources that align with regenerative and sustainable farming principles.

The Duchy of Lancaster remains dedicated to ensuring its rural estates are managed in a way that balances productivity with environmental responsibility, supporting communities, and conserving the land for future generations.

ENDS

Media Contact:
Catherine Robertson
Communications Officer

[email protected]

Notes to editors:

· 85% of our 61 tenant farmers from across our rural surveys responded to the questionnaire.

· Our rural surveys cover Lancashire, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Yorkshire and parts of Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and South Wales.

· Farm types included 38% mixed, 26% livestock, 20% dairy, and 16% arable.

· A series of workshops will be held in 2026 to discuss the survey findings with Duchy farming tenants, encourage knowledge-sharing, and support the development of practical approaches to regenerative and sustainable land management.