The Government has committed to appointing England’s first commissioner for the tenant farming sector by next Spring.

The appointment of a commissioner has long been called for by tenant farmers. The role aims to improve collaboration between tenant farmers, landowners and their advisors and help ensure fairness in the sector, investigating and facilitating solutions to complaints.

Defra said the commissioner will also hold an important leadership and advocacy role, providing a "trusted and confidential point of contact for tenants, landlords or advisors who have concerns about poor behaviour".

Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner made the announcement at this week's Northern Farming Conference at Hexham Auction Mart.

He said: "Food security is national security – and tenant farmers are essential to our country’s food production.

"I look forward to working alongside our new commissioner, tenants, landlords and the wider industry to boost Britain’s food security and support nature’s recovery."

Defra said the commissioner will promote the standards outlined in the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice and will "work alongside Defra and the Farm Tenancy Forum to ensure a fair, balanced and collaborative relationship between tenant and landowner".

A statement added: "The commissioner will work closely with the forum providing regular reports and updates and will track trends and issues providing advice and guidance on how to improve practice in the sector for industry and government to consider. The impact of the commissioner role will be reviewed after two years in consultation with the Farm Tenancy Forum to assess effectiveness and inform future developments.

"The commissioner will be appointed through an open competition process with the aim of making an appointment by Spring next year."

Robert Martin, chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association, welcomed the announcement, and said it was a key recommendation of the Rock Review. He said he is looking forward to finding out more details of exactly what powers the commissioner will have in dealing with disputes.