The chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association has admitted to being "disappointed" after the Duchy of Cornwall's latest move, an extensive property portfolio managed on behalf of Prince William.
Farming tenants at the Duchy of Cornwall's Bradninch estate in Mid Devon have been informed that the landowner intends to dispose of agricultural holdings in the area, creating uncertainty about their futures.
Multiple farmers are understood to be affected by the decision, though none have spoken publicly about the situation.
The specific properties earmarked for sale have not been revealed.
Farming chief admits 'disappointment' after Duchy of Cornwall move
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According to the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), those currently renting land have been allowed to acquire their holdings before they are offered to outside purchasers.
George Dunn, chief executive of the TFA, said the organisation was aware of ongoing discussions regarding the duchy's plans for the Bradninch estate.
"Obviously, we are disappointed the Duchy is selling, but it is part of its current plans for rationalisation," Mr Dunn told Farmers Weekly.
"And, in the world of the second best, we are at least pleased to see that sitting tenants are to be given first refusal on purchasing."
Prince William inherited the Duchy of Cornwall when he became Prince of Wales | PAThe TFA confirmed it had received no reports of formal eviction notices being served to affected farmers at this stage.
Mr Dunn cautioned that significant disruption could await those farmers who are either unable or unwilling to purchase the freehold of their properties.
He observed that certain tenants hold farm business tenancies which grant the duchy the legal right to sell with vacant possession, meaning notices could potentially be issued if farmers decline to buy.
"Where the tenant is unable or unwilling to purchase the freehold, there will be a major upheaval for their farm businesses, given their expectation to have been tenants on those farms into the long term," he said.
Priti Patel was in the crowd as farmers staged a Budget Day protest in Whitehall in November 2025
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The TFA chief noted that many affected farmers had anticipated remaining as tenants for years to come.
The Duchy of Cornwall maintains that acquiring and disposing of property forms a standard component of its estate management activities.
A spokesman for the duchy stated: "We are in the process of aligning and rebalancing our portfolio so that our places and assets deliver the greatest possible social and environmental impact."
Nigel Farage attended a farmers' protest against changes to inheritance tax rules for land ownership in 2024
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The spokesman added that such decisions involve careful, long-term planning about resource allocation.
The duchy confirmed that farming tenants would typically be offered the chance to purchase their properties ahead of any external parties, with all sales handled sensitively.
The estate manages properties across England and Wales, balancing financial, environmental and community objectives.