Field Talk – Autumn 2020

Welcome to the Autumn 2020 edition of Field Talk.

The past seven months or so have certainly been challenging for the agricultural industry, especially for dairy farmers and those diversified businesses operating in the hospitality, tourism and retail sectors. Aside from the economic impact of COVID-19, we have seen how isolating the pandemic has been for many; especially those living alone or in rural communities.

However, with challenge comes the opportunity to change and grow. At Clarke Willmott, we have not only adapted so that everyone is able to work effectively from home, we have also taken stock of how we can continue to serve and stay in touch with our clients and contacts going forward during these uncertain times. Technology has undoubtedly been key in this regard; we are conducting client meetings, court hearings and trials via video link; seminars are now webinars and we have even sponsored a virtual agricultural show!

The growth does not stop there; our digital marketing team has developed a range of free on-line tools for businesses and individuals including an agri-business healthcheck; please do visit our legal hub and let us know what you think. There is no doubt that the UK agricultural sector is adapting and embracing the opportunities coming out of the challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit. Going forward we expect to see many more of our traditional farming clients diversifying into other sectors. As a full-service offering, we can truly support our clients on all legal aspects of any diversification project whether it be in relation to planning, tax or employment. For more information about this, please visit our website.

Esther Woolford, November 2020

In this edition

Reforming the Dairy Industry

In 2018, the Groceries Code Adjudicator carried out a widespread review of the dairy sector which revealed a significant imbalance of power between the processor on one hand and the producer dairy farmer on the other. Read more

What to do after a solar/renewable lease has been granted

If you are a freeholder or landlord who has granted or who is thinking about granting a solar lease or other renewable lease to a solar/renewable tenant then you have various options as to what to do with your interest in the solar park/renewable project. This article explores the commercial and legal implications of each option. Read more

Court of Appeal upholds proprietary estoppel claim by farmer’s son

In the Summer 2019 edition of Field Talk, Daniel Gill and Polly Ridgway commented on the High Court’s decision in the case of Guest and Guest v Guest – the latest in a long line of farming-related inheritance disputes. Read more

Farming divorces and collaborative law

Sorting out a financial settlement on divorce can be complicated, especially for farming families whose personal and business affairs are often inextricably entwined. However, this does not mean that such a dispute can only be resolved through a long, expensive and stressful court battle. Read more

Succession Planning during COVID-19

During times of crisis, it is tempting to batten down the hatches and wait out the inevitable economic downturn. However, there are two reasons why a proactive approach to succession planning is now more important than ever. Read more

Energy and Agriculture: A mutually beneficial relationship

Energy is integral to agriculture. Without the physical energy of the farmer to tend crops and animals; the energy of the sun to grow food for the table and livestock; the energy to make fertiliser or the energy to power all the essential farm kit, agriculture as we know it would not exist. Read more