Farmers and landowners are increasingly seeking opportunities to generate income from their land through non-agricultural activities.
These schemes can provide significant additional revenue and, in some cases, become the main source of income. However, they can also be complex and challenging to implement successfully. Through clear, pragmatic advice, our experienced, top-ranked Agriculture team has helped hundreds of rural businesses to thrive.
Starting any new business can be daunting, and specific challenges relate to rural diversification projects. Complex legal matters such as land covenants, long-term tenancy agreements and ownership arrangements often need to be navigated if a rural business is to thrive.
Our team is experienced in helping thousands of UK landowners, farmers and tenants overcome these challenges to generate income from successful businesses, profitably using land for a full range of commercial activities.
Our specialists, part of the largest and most experienced Agriculture team in the UK, build strong relationships with clients and get to know the intricacies of each business to ensure every opportunity reaches its maximum potential.
They also work closely with others in the firm – including our Employment, Corporate and Intellectual Property teams – to deliver expert advice on every aspect of starting up and growing a rural business.
Our expertise in this area encompasses:
Battery storage
Conversion of buildings to non-agriculture use · Equestrian – horse-riding schools and livery stables
Non-agricultural lettings and licensing · Renewable energy – water, solar and wind power, anaerobic digestors
Retail, such farm shops
Sports and leisure – shooting, clay pigeon shooting, quad bike riding, dog walking
Tourism - camping sites, events, holiday lets
Water storage
Acting as National Farmers Union panel solicitors for more counties than any other law firm in the country, we have strong ties to the following:
We are also proud to be the sole designated legal contributor to the Farmers Weekly Business Clinic.
