A MAJOR land sale by the Prince of Wales could see dozens of tenant farmers having to choose between buying their own farms or moving out.

Part of a 10-year plan by the Duchy of Cornwall, the sale could affect up to 40 farm holdings across Cornwall, including the Duloe Estate, as well as in Devon, Herefordshire and the Midlands, according to the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA).

The Duchy, which provides an income for Prince William, currently has around 700 agricultural lettings, which covers around 51,800 hectares (128,000 acres) in 19 counties across the UK.

Around 300 whole farm holdings are made up of a farmhouse, land and buildings, with farmers on a mix of contracts ranging from time-limited to lifelong.

The Duchy plans to use the money that is raised from the property and land sale to invest in local communities, affordable housing and environmental projects.

The restructuring, it said, will allow greater investment in housing, renewable energy, environmental improvements, as well as long-term farming resilience.

Tenants have been given first refusal to purchase their holdings, but many fear that ownership could mean being unable to pay the debts that come with it.

Although the exact number of tenants affected has not been confirmed, the Duchy have stated that they are providing support to every tenant throughout the process, which began in May.

The process, however, has been criticised for causing distress to farmers who fear that they could lose their livelihoods if they are unable to afford to buy the farms they currently rent.

The outcome from the land sale could have lasting implications not only for farming families, but also for the younger generation who are looking to build careers in the tenanted farming sector.

A Duchy of Cornwall spokesperson said: "We recognise that these are important and deeply personal decisions.

“Every tenant is being supported through the process on an individual basis, with access to practical guidance from the estate team, independent welfare and mental health support services and ongoing discussions about what is right for their circumstances. These services have been available for many years and remain available throughout this process.

“All tenants are being offered first refusal to purchase their homes and farms, often with discounts that reflect both the length of tenure, type of tenancy they have and the investment they have made in the property. One sale to a tenant at Landulph has already completed on this basis.

"These changes are part of a long-term strategy to direct future Duchy of Cornwall investment where it can deliver the greatest long-term benefit for communities, farming, nature and the local economy. Earlier this year we announced a £100-m investment in Cornwall over the next 10 years improving the diversity of housing available, supporting a stronger and more resilient Cornish economy, and helping Cornwall’s natural economy thrive.

“We will continue to support tenants with care, respect and fairness, whatever decision they ultimately make."