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Farming Partnership Services

Farming Partnership Services

Pragmatic, practical advice

Walker Foster’s agricultural partnership services have been supporting farming families and businesses for generations, helping them manage their affairs with clarity and confidence.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team is committed to providing expert guidance and tailored support in all aspects of agricultural law. We take the time to understand your needs, ensuring our advice is practical, effective and right for you.

Get in touch with our team today to arrange a consultation and find out how we can assist with any aspect of farming partnership legalities.

How Walker Foster can help with farming partnerships

  • Drafting contracts: we prepare clear, legally sound written agreements that define roles, responsibilities and financial arrangements. Well-drafted contracts help prevent misunderstandings and provide a solid foundation for a successful farming partnership.
  • Company and partnership formations: we advise on and facilitate the formation of farming partnerships, limited liability partnerships and other business structures.
  • Business structure advice: choosing the right structure affects a business's tax implications, liability and succession planning. Our team provides expert guidance on the best options available, helping farming businesses operate efficiently while protecting their long-term interests.
  • Tenancies: agricultural tenancies can be complex, with significant legal implications. We assist in drafting and reviewing tenancy agreements, creating fair terms and protecting your rights whether you are a landlord or a tenant in a farming partnership.
  • Employment law support: farming partnerships often involve employment arrangements with workers, contractors and family members. We provide legal advice on contracts, compliance and dispute resolution that manage employment matters effectively.
  • Inheritance planning: we work closely with families and partners to structure inheritance plans that enable a smooth transition of partnership assets while addressing tax liabilities and potential disputes.
  • Guidance on partner rights: understanding the rights and responsibilities of each partner is essential for maintaining a harmonious and effective business. We provide clear legal advice on partner entitlements, obligations and dispute resolution processes.
  • Customised conflict resolution: disputes within farming partnerships can arise from financial disagreements, succession issues or changes in business direction. Our team specialises in mediation and negotiation to resolve conflicts amicably, avoiding costly and disruptive litigation where possible.
  • Partnership dissolution: if a farming partnership needs to be dissolved, we guide clients through the legal process, creating fair asset division and minimising disruption to business operations. Our approach prioritises efficiency and fairness, helping clients move forward with clarity and confidence.

We're committed to providing comprehensive, transparent and effective services to all of our clients. Our tailored advice and consistent communications will ensure your needs are met and will keep you informed on the progress of issues at all times.

What is a farming partnership?

A farming partnership is a business arrangement where two or more individuals work together to operate an agricultural enterprise for profit. This type of partnership is a common structure for family farms and multi-generational businesses, allowing partners to share responsibilities, profits and liabilities. However, without a well-defined legal framework, challenges can arise, particularly regarding assets, financial management, decision-making and succession planning.

Without a formal agreement in place, disputes may lead to uncertainty, strained relationships and operational difficulties. Defining roles, responsibilities and long-term plans can help safeguard the business and its future stability.

At Walker Foster, our experienced agricultural solicitors provide tailored legal support to help farming partners establish clear agreements, navigate challenges and plan for the future. Whether you are forming a new partnership, managing existing arrangements or handling a dispute, we are here to guide you through the process with expert advice and practical solutions.

Types of farming partnership

General Partnerships

In a general farming partnership, all partners share responsibility for the business, including profits, liabilities and decision-making. Each partner has unlimited liability, meaning they are personally responsible for any debts the partnership incurs. While this structure offers flexibility, it also carries additional financial risk if clear farming partnership agreements are not in place.

Limited Partnerships (LPs)

A limited partnership consists of at least one general partner, who manages the business and assumes full liability, and one or more limited partners, who invest in the partnership but have limited liability. Limited partners are not involved in day-to-day operations, making this a suitable option for investors or family members who wish to have a financial stake without taking on management responsibilities.

Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)

An LLP provides the benefits of a partnership while offering limited liability protection to all partners. Unlike a general partnership, an LLP is a separate legal entity, meaning partners are not personally responsible for the partnership’s debts. This structure is often preferred by farming businesses looking to protect individual assets while maintaining operational flexibility.

Family Farming Partnerships

Many farming partnerships are family-run, involving multiple generations working together to manage land and business assets. While this structure fosters continuity, it can also lead to challenges in succession planning, inheritance and financial decision-making.

Joint Ventures

A joint venture farming partnership allows two or more parties to collaborate on specific projects or farming operations while maintaining their own separate businesses. This arrangement is often used for large-scale agricultural projects, land-sharing agreements, or seasonal farming initiatives.

What are the benefits of a farming partnership?

Farming partnerships offer a flexible and collaborative way to manage an agricultural business, providing several advantages for those involved. Whether operating as a family-run farm or a commercial enterprise, a well-structured partnership can enhance efficiency, financial security and long-term sustainability.

  • Shared responsibilities and expertise: a partnership allows individuals to combine their skills, knowledge and resources to manage the farm more effectively. By sharing workloads and decision-making, partners can improve operational efficiency while benefiting from each other’s expertise in different areas of agriculture and business management.
  • Financial flexibility and investment opportunities: pooling financial resources can ease the burden of investment in land, equipment and infrastructure. Farming partnerships may also have greater access to financing and grants, improving business growth potential while spreading financial risk across multiple partners.
  • Succession and long-term planning: for family-run farms, a partnership structure provides a clear framework for succession planning, ensuring the continuity of the business across generations.
  • Tax efficiency: farming partnerships offer tax efficiency, allowing profits and losses to be shared rather than taxed at corporate rates. Proper structuring can maximise Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief, reducing Inheritance Tax liabilities and supporting succession planning.
  • Operational flexibility: unlike limited companies, farming partnerships are not subject to the same level of regulatory requirements, allowing for greater flexibility in how the business is run. Partners can agree on decision-making processes and adapt their roles as needed, keeping the business agile in response to market conditions and industry changes.

Our approach to farming partnerships

At Walker Foster, we take a thorough and tailored approach to supporting farming partnerships. We understand that no two farming businesses are the same, which is why we take the time to assess each client’s unique circumstances before providing practical and strategic legal solutions. Whether you are forming a new partnership, reviewing your business structure, or resolving a dispute, our experienced agricultural solicitors are here to guide you every step of the way.

  • Initial consultation: our process begins with an in-depth consultation where we discuss your objectives, whether that involves establishing a new partnership, restructuring an existing one or resolving an issue. We listen carefully to understand your business structure, land ownership, financial arrangements and long-term goals, advising based on your specific needs.
  • Assessment and strategy: once we have a full picture of your farming partnership, we conduct a detailed assessment of relevant legal documents, including existing partnership agreements, tenancy contracts, employment arrangements and inheritance plans. We identify potential risks, opportunities and areas requiring legal clarification. From there, we develop a strategy that complies with agricultural regulations, protects your assets and safeguards the long-term stability of your business.
  • Drafting and reviewing contracts: our team prepares legally sound contracts tailored to your farming business, covering key aspects such as profit-sharing, decision-making processes, succession planning and dispute resolution mechanisms. We also review existing agreements to ensure they remain up to date and fit for purpose.
  • Business structure and formation: we provide expert legal advice to ensure you choose the most appropriate setup. Our goal is to help you establish a structure that supports financial stability, operational efficiency and future growth.
  • Agricultural tenancies and land use agreements: We offer specialist legal support in drafting, reviewing and negotiating agricultural tenancy agreements, ensuring that both landlords and tenants are protected under fair and legally compliant terms.
  • Employment law support: many farming partnerships involve employees, contractors and family members working within the business. We provide legal advice on employment contracts, compliance with agricultural labour laws and dispute resolution, ensuring that your employment arrangements align with best practices and legal requirements.
  • Guidance on partner rights and responsibilities: we offer legal guidance making sure that partners fully understand their obligations, financial contributions, voting rights and exit options. By addressing these issues proactively, we help prevent conflicts and ensure smooth business operations.
  • Conflict resolution: where possible, we prioritise mediation and negotiation to find amicable resolutions, helping to maintain positive relationships and minimise disruption to the business. Our solicitors facilitate constructive discussions, working towards practical solutions that protect the partnership’s interests.
  • Partnership dissolution and exit strategies: if a farming partnership needs to be dissolved, we guide clients through the legal process to enable a fair and smooth transition. Whether partners are retiring, restructuring or selling their share of the business, we provide legal support in asset division, succession planning and financial settlements, helping to minimise stress and uncertainty.

Walker Foster can provide comprehensive legal services for all manner of farming partnership issues and needs. A team with expert knowledge in agricultural law such as Walker Foster can guide you on the best possible route for your requirements.

Meet the Team

Claire CollingeSolicitor, Employment Law
Coralie LoughranLegal Assistant
Keith HardingtonDirector, Head of Company and Commercial Law
Rebecca GeldardTrainee Solicitor

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Whether you're struggling with disagreement with another partner or setting up a new farm partnership and need advice, Walker Foster is here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a consultation at your convenience.

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