Farming & Rural Business Solicitors In The South West

For those who live in the countryside, we believe that the farming community is the back bone to the nation’s economy.

Many of our clients who are based in the West Country are involved directly or indirectly in the farming and food sectors. We pride ourselves upon the complete range of legal services that we are able to offer to our clients involved in the agriculture and food sectors. We understand farming and farmers, and their key role in the food supply chain and the rural economy.

We help our clients in the farming and related sectors to deal with the increasing challenges that they face, ranging from regulatory controls, wealth creation and protection, business structuring, succession, finance and, of course, the dreaded dispute resolution.

The increase in the value of agricultural land in the last twenty years or so has meant that many farmers have found themselves sat on valuable land assets; however, against the backdrop of falling prices and global over production, the income returns have been poor for the labour and associated capital investments. These financial dynamics have generated new pressure points on the traditional farming family business, causing disputes between family members that, unfortunately, have led to litigation in some instances.

Whether or not there is any truth in the old adage that “there is no such thing as a poor farmer”, farmers and those who are involved in the rural economy certainly face serious challenges to their livelihood and way of life. We have expert and experienced lawyers who are able to help. Examples of our services to the rural sector include the following:

Property Transactions

• Farms and Farmland – Buying and selling farms and land, rights of way, easements and wayleaves, restrictive covenants, right above and below the land, adverse possession and proprietary estoppel, share and contract farming, leases and licences, tenancy advice, planning and development aspects ancillary to diversification.
• Development Land – Residential and commercial, involving promotion agreements, options, conditional sale contracts and overage.
• Amenity Land – Woodland, livery yards, activity leisure pursuits, fishing, wind farms and renewables.

Wills, Tax & Probate

• Estate Planning
• Probate and Estate Administration
• The creation and management of trusts
• Wills

Litigation & Family

• Financial settlements upon divorce
• Partnership disputes and dissolution
• Recovering trade debts and defending claims

Business

• Drafting partnership agreements
• Advising upon security and re-financing agreements

We also handle:

• Food & Drinks Businesses – Supply chains, brand protection and food regulation are key concerns for the family business looking to grow.
• Retail Businesses – Farm shops, farmers markets and e-commerce have all been major growth areas.
• Leisure Businesses – Hotels, restaurants, fish farms, riding and outdoor activities play a major part in the economy of the South West.