Tenant farmers fear harder access to extra borrowing
Tenant farmers are increasingly worried they won’t be able to secure extra loans or overdrafts to keep their businesses running, according to a survey of 110 members. The findings come after a year marked by drought and livestock disease, and they highlight growing cashflow pressures for farms that rent land rather than own assets to offer lenders as security.
What’s happening
A survey by the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) found that nine in ten tenant farmers feel they will struggle to obtain additional borrowing. About half said they need more borrowing to maintain operations, typically between £10,000 and £50,000. Among those needing extra finance, 49% expect it to be very difficult and 41% expect some difficulty. Only 10% think it will be relatively straightforward.
Key facts at a glance
- Survey size: 110 member responses. — worth weighing when comparing Nine ten tenant farmers fear struggle options in Manama.
- Borrowing needs reported: typically £10,000–£50,000. — worth weighing when comparing Nine ten tenant farmers fear struggle options in Manama.
- Anticipated difficulty: 49% very difficult; 41% some difficulty; 10% easy.
- Context: drought and livestock disease cited as contributors to cashflow pressure.
Who is affected
The findings focus on tenant farmers—farmers who rent land rather than owning it. Those without land or property assets to offer as security to lenders are described as particularly vulnerable to tighter loan criteria or higher borrowing costs.
Practical next steps
For farmers: review cashflow, assess alternative financing options, and speak with lenders about security needs and repayment plans. For policymakers and support bodies: monitor access to credit for tenancy-based farming and consider targeted loan schemes or guarantees to reduce lenders’ risk where land security is limited. Farmers might also seek advice from agricultural lenders or advisory services about restructuring debt or accessing working-capital facilities.
Limits and questions
The article summarizes a single survey from a trade association and does not quantify changes in lending criteria across lenders or regions. It also does not specify the drought duration, disease type, or regional differences. Readers may want to consult the original survey release for methodological details and any publisher notes.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
The links remain visible so readers can inspect the evidence, compare dates and context, and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
- farminguk.com — evidence source reviewed for this article.
Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.