CLA welcomes new chair of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire branch
Tom Martin, widely known as Farmer Tom, is an arable farmer based near Peterborough
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is pleased to announce that Tom Martin has been voted in as the new chairman of the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire branch committee of the CLA.
Tom, widely known as Farmer Tom, is an arable farmer based near Peterborough. After around a decade working in the film and media industry, including at Universal Pictures, he returned home in the mid‑2010s to take on the family farm.
Tom adopts regenerative and conservation‑focused farming practices, moving largely to no‑till systems, prioritising soil health, biodiversity, and resilience. He founded Farmer Time in 2017, a programme that connects farmers with school classrooms via video calls.
The CLA represents the interests of farmers, landowners and rural businesses across England and Wales. Its regional committees give its members a direct voice in shaping the organisation’s priorities and policies at both local and national level.
Speaking of his new role, Tom said: "There are so many factors that are having an impact on the work of farmers and landowners in our region.
“From the ongoing conflict in the Middle East driving up fuel and fertiliser prices, to issues closer to home on inheritance tax and the future of environmental farming schemes, there is plenty for members of our committee to discuss and share their views.
“The CLA’s voice is critical as it represents a large share of rural land and businesses and provides trusted, practical insight that helps policymakers design and deliver workable policies on farming, land use, the environment and rural communities.”
As chairman, Tom will guide the committee and ensure the thoughts of CLA members are fed in to wider policy discussions.
Welcoming Tom to his role, CLA East Director Cath Crowther said.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom to the role as branch chairman at what it is an extremely challenging time for those who live and work in rural communities.
“Tom’s wealth of knowledge and expertise of farming and wider rural business will ensure that our members in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire are well represented and their views are heard loud and clear.”
Alongside Tom’s appointment as chairman, Charles Whitbread of the Southill Estate in Bedfordshire, has been voted in as vice chairman.