The tenanted land sector has faced a rapid decline in Scotland, which is leading to a barrier for young farmers entering the agricultural sector, according to a report on increasing the availability of farmland for new entrants to agriculture in Scotland.

The report from Scottish Land and Estates aims to outline new and alternative models for increasing the availability of land for new entrants.

One of the key barriers is that the price of UK agricultural land is typically higher than could generate a return from the agricultural activity.

Some of the models to improve access to land outlined in the report include partnerships, share farming, contract rearing, offering young farmers a progression pathway and leasing, among other options.

The report highlights that more flexibility is needed to rejuvenate the tenanted sector according to Sarah-Jane Laing, director of Scottish Land and Estates. “There is increasing acknowledgement across the industry that more flexible arrangements need to be introduced which can serve the interests of both tenants and landlords,” said Laing.