Welcome to Shed Talks

In the third episode of the NFU’s podcast Shed Talks, the final pair of our presenting trio, Mike Greenwood-Wilkins and Jacks Weaver, take a deep dive into tenant farming, exploring opportunities for growth, policy insights, and global food security.

Fun fact - Mike previously appeared on The Great British Bake Off, proving he can handle both the kitchen and the farm!

Our main feature was recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel, where the theme was Room to Grow: Opportunities for Growth in Tenant

Farming. The episode features conversations with tenant farmers about how they are adapting, diversifying, and finding opportunities to grow their businesses, alongside discussions about tenancy agreements, landlord relationships, and the practical realities of farming under tenancy.

In the Westminster segment, there are two highlights. First, Ruairi Hodges speaks with Alan Laidlaw, the first-ever UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming, addressing questions submitted by NFU members on key issues affecting tenant farmers. Then, Neeve McGinty and Ruairi explore the Farming and Food Fellowship (FaFF): why it was created, its impact on building cross-party understanding of rural issues, and plans for the next cohort of fellows. To get in touch regarding

The episode closes with a World Ag perspective (WAG): Mike and Jacks speak with Miika Ilomäki, Chief Preparedness Specialist at Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency, about how Finland has built one of the world’s most resilient food systems. From high levels of self-sufficiency and strategic reserves to strong public-private cooperation, Finland’s approach demonstrates the value of planning for food security at every level.

Key themes and takeaways:

• Tenant farmers are central to food production, landscape management, and sustainable agriculture
• Main feature recorded fresh from the NFU’s Tenant Farmers’ Conference panel
• Farmers share experiences on business diversification, tenancy agreements, and opportunities for growth
• Alan Laidlaw is the first UK Commissioner for Tenant Farming and responds to NFU members’ submitted questions
• The Farming and Food Fellowship strengthens MPs’ understanding of rural and tenant farming issues
• Finland’s approach highlights the importance of preparedness, strategic reserves, and collaboration
• Strong planning and cooperation across government, industry, and households builds resilience

Listen now on the NFU App, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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