5 steps

This can mean finding the right combination of land, mindset and ambition, but it is essential to also put the time aside to find the right person or people to work with. If the parties involved have different long-term aims and ambitions it can create a difficult working environment.

Work out how to share the risks and rewards of new business models to unlock future farming potential. Understand the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the agreement, and make sure that each person’s skills are utilised. Agree what you and each party require from the agreement before you start to ensure fairness between the people involved.

Select the right framework for your business relationship, using tried and tested models to create positive outcomes. There are many kinds of agreements available. Each has benefits, and it depends on your circumstances as to which suits you best. Some landowners wishes to be involved in the farming side and some wish to have no more involvement than an income: this affects which agreement you choose.

Being prepared for the inevitability of change; creating options, optimising resources, and building business relationships that will stand the test of time and life events. Unfortunately, there are life events which are incredibly sad and can affect all aspects of your life. It's important to have a plan in place for how someone could exit an agreement or that the business can continue without them.