Is Your Farm Working in a Legally Sound Way?

"I’ve taken over the reins of our farm from my father and while I have farming experience, I want to make sure I’m getting things right legally, as far as employment contracts, diversification rules and other issues. What should I do?"

You are wise to assess your business for any weak legal points or for anything you could be doing to ensure it is future-proof and runs more smoothly. The good news is, if you are an NFU Farmer & Grower member, you can access its free initial Legal Health Check Service delivered by JCP as part of the benefits of your membership.

Within the health check, we will audit your farm business, consider succession planning, and make recommendations regarding any issues identified - so, we may recommend a partnership agreement, employment contracts, up to date Wills and/or Powers of Attorney, etc.

There is no obligation to press ahead with any work, but if you do, we can apply on your behalf for a contribution from the NFU Legal Assistance Scheme (LAS – up to a maximum of £1,000 for 4 pieces of work identified at £250 each) towards costs, if you qualify for work undertaken until 31st October 2022. 

The LAS is a discretionary benefit in-house scheme which offers professional guidance and financial support towards legal and other professional costs incurred by its subscribers, who are faced with legal disputes and other issues affecting their farming or growing businesses. The scheme is also responsible for the NFU’s carefully selected Legal Panel firms, of which JCP is the Mid and South Wales representative. We have been on the NFU Panel since 2008 and we’re proud to represent NFU Members referred to us directly and via NFU CallFirst. In 2021 we were proud to have won the NFU Tim Sells Legal panel Excellence Award.

Our Rural Practice team are on hand to provide specialist legal advice. For more information, contact us on law@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or 03333 208644.

This question is based on a hypothetical situation.