This week, Varfell Farms, part of the greosn group, welcomed members of the Cornish Agricultural Valuers’ Association (CAVA) as hosts of this year’s Lady Day Meeting.
Guests were welcomed with Cornish pasties on arrival before joining teams for an afternoon programme designed to support valuers’ understanding of current legislative and practical issues affecting the rural sector. The day began with a tour of the 6,000-acre farm in Penzance, offering delegates a first-hand look at the world’s largest daffodil-growing operation during peak season. The tour highlighted the farm’s scale, seasonal workflows, and the sustainable and regenerative farming practices being implemented across the site. Followed by a professional presentation focused on renters’ rights, covering key themes relevant to Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancies and Farm Business Tenancies, with contributions from advisers at Stephens Scown and Francis Clark. These discussions offered clarity on recent changes and provided valuers with updated guidance on handling tenancy matters across the county.
“The opportunity to host the CAVA Lady Day Meeting was an exceptional privilege,” said Simon Gardner, Farms Director at Varfell Farms. “It’s important that rural professionals have the chance to see how commercial farms operate on the ground, particularly during such a key point in our season. We were pleased to share the work we’re doing to further our sustainable practices and to support the broader conversation around agricultural tenancies and the future of farming in Cornwall.”
Lady day is an important annual gathering for rural surveyors and agricultural valuers across Cornwall. The event takes place each March around Lady Day, one of the historic quarter days traditionally associated with agricultural rentals and tenancy agreements, and continues to serve as a key forum for discussion, professional development and industry insight.
Varfell Farms has long been recognised for its commitment to environmental stewardship. In 2023, the business was awarded status as a LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Demonstration Farm, reflecting its focus on regenerative agriculture and its ongoing efforts to enhance biodiversity. As an active participant in Cornwall’s net zero charge initiative, Varfell continues to play an influential role in driving forward sustainable farming practices and shaping the future direction of low‑carbon agriculture in the UK.
Varfell remains committed to supporting industry collaboration and providing insight into modern, sustainable farming operations, reinforcing its role within Cornwall’s agricultural community.