Share farming agreements

We provide expert legal advice on share farming agreements, helping landowners and farmers establish clear, structured arrangements that benefit both parties.

Our team ensures your agreement is legally sound, outlining responsibilities, cost-sharing, and profit distribution to protect your interests. With our specialist knowledge of rural law, we provide practical solutions tailored to your needs.

What is a share farming agreement?

A share farming agreement is a formal arrangement between two or more parties, typically a landowner and a farmer, to jointly manage agricultural land. Under this agreement, each party contributes resources—such as land, labour, equipment, and expertise—and shares the profits and losses from farming activities based on the terms set out in the agreement.

The agreement provides a clear structure for how profits will be divided, how responsibilities are shared, and how the relationship is managed.

Key elements of a share farming agreement

Share farming agreements generally include several key components:

• Duration of the arrangement
• Division of profits
• Responsibilities for managing the land
• Dispute resolution mechanisms
• Clearly defined terms to avoid future disagreements
• A fair and equitable framework for both parties
• Specification of rights for both the farmer and landowner
• Alignment of expectations between both parties

Why choose a share farming agreement?

A share farming agreement offers flexibility for both landowners and farmers. Landowners can maintain ownership of their property while benefiting from the farming expertise and operations of the farmer. Farmers, on the other hand, can gain access to land without the substantial upfront costs of purchasing property. This arrangement allows for a collaborative farming model, where both parties share the rewards and risks associated with farming activities.

What makes a share farming agreement different from other arrangements?

Unlike traditional lease agreements where the landowner rents out land to a farmer for a fixed rent, share farming involves a partnership where both parties share in the profits and losses of the farming operation. This collaboration gives both parties a vested interest in the success of the farming venture, encouraging shared responsibility for its success. The key difference lies in the profit-sharing structure and the level of responsibility each party assumes in managing the day-to-day operations.

Protecting your interests with a share farming agreement

To ensure the arrangement works for all parties involved, it’s crucial to have a well-drafted share farming agreement. The terms should be clear, comprehensive, and tailored to your specific needs. A strong agreement provides legal protection for both the landowner and the farmer, clearly outlining responsibilities, expectations, and mechanisms for resolving disputes. Without such a document in place, misunderstandings can arise, leading to financial or operational challenges.

How Moore Barlow can help with share farming agreements

Moore Barlow offers expert legal advice in drafting share farming agreements that meet your specific needs. Our team of agricultural solicitors has extensive experience working with farmers and landowners, providing clear, actionable advice on how to structure your agreement to ensure fairness and security for both parties. Whether you’re looking to enter into a new share farming agreement or review an existing one, our team can help you navigate the process and ensure your interests are protected.

Each farming business is unique, and so are the needs of those involved in share farming agreements. Moore Barlow’s approach is client-centric, meaning we take the time to understand your goals, concerns, and business structure.

Addressing potential risks and legal considerations

A properly structured share farming agreement can help mitigate various risks, from disputes over profit distribution to challenges regarding land use. Our team helps you identify potential legal pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid them, such as creating clear guidelines on property maintenance, crop management, and dispute resolution. We also advise on tax implications, succession planning, and regulatory compliance to ensure that your share farming arrangement remains legally sound and financially beneficial.