Needing a lawyer for farm issues

A farm lawyer is a lawyer whose expertise lies in agricultural law. Agricultural law is a broad subject covering all the legal issues faced by the rural farming community today. The definition encompasses UK and EU legislation regarding employment, estate planning, animal welfare, pesticide regulation and subsidy reforms. Agriculture lawyers must also have an understanding of environmental, contract and property laws. Changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and problems with its implementation are major areas of practice within agricultural law. Farms must be run with all the developments in agricultural law in mind, and lawyers must be able to advise on relational areas of the law.

When a farmer needs to diversify from traditional agricultural activities in order to bring in extra revenue for their farm, a lawyer should be consulted as new ventures can have inheritance tax and agricultural property relief implications.

If you are a farm worker it is important to know that your employment rights differ from other types of employees. The minimum wage to which you are entitled you is dependent on your assigned category and grade. Agricultural workers’ rights are set out in the ‘Agricultural Wage Order’ and your contract of employment has to meet the minimum rights set out in the order. There are also special provisions for agricultural workers’ rest breaks and the calculation of holiday pay and sick pay. There are separate conditions for trainees and apprentices on the farm. A lawyer will be able to advise you about these distinctions and the corresponding rights in more detail, and help you protect your interests.

If you would like to obtain legal advice on agricultural law, Contact Law can put you in touch with a local specialist agricultural solicitor / lawyer free of charge. So, if you have any questions or would like our help in finding local agricultural solicitors / lawyers please call us on 0800 1777 162 or complete the web-form above.