A new ‘hub’ is set to be launched next week to allow farmers to set up a connection to go into business with one another.
The initiative is aimed at those with interest in share and contract farming and tenancies and will be run by NFU Scotland.
The Joint Venture Hub will be launched at AgriScot on Wednesday, November 21.
The hub has been created with insight from lawyers, accountants, property specialists and agricultural advisors including Johnston Carmichael, Gillespie Macandrew, Brodies LLP, Shepherd and Wedderburn, Savills and SAC Consulting.
Members of NFU Scotland will be able to access specially negotiated arrangements with the hub’s partner firms.
Andrew McCornick, NFU Scotland president said: “This hub is recognition of the need for a service to aid options for use of land, not only for the next generation but also for those looking to step back from day-to-day duties on the farm.
There is a generation of enthusiastic and talented young people who feel like they cannot get a foothold in agriculture thanks to the soaring price of land and a lack of land availability.
“At the same time, a huge number of farm owners are approaching retirement with no clear successor to run the operational side of their business, leaving them with the feeling they have no choice but to divide up and sell off the farm they have spent decades, even generations, building up.
“NFU Scotland believes the options available within the Joint Venture Hub allows individuals to identify what will work for them and with the specialist help of consultants, accountants and lawyers, this process is made easier and will allow them to explore different opportunities to see farming businesses thrive.”
The Joint Venture Hub provides information on share farming, contract farming and tenancies, case studies and a map service where individuals can register to offer an opportunity or to advertise themselves when looking for an opportunity.
The Joint Venture Hub will be available on the NFUS website which details current opportunities, a guide to share farming, case studies and a comparison document with other joint venture models
