Law firm Walker Smith Way is highlighting the legal aspects of Landshare, an exciting new scheme to encourage people across the country to grow their own fruit and veg.
Popular TV food personality and advocate of seasonal, ethically produced food Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall started Landshare in response to massively over-subscribed allotment waiting lists: at present more than 100,000 people are waiting for a plot. The scheme relies on landowners with spare land and potential growers and helpers linking up through the Landshare website. Growers pay for the use of plots through payment in kind, contributing some of their produce instead of money to the landowner.
So far around 37,000 people have signed up to Landshare, with nine landowners, 67 growers and two helpers currently participating in Cheshire. The National Trust is backing the scheme, creating 1000 new allotment plots on its land, and other supporters include The Royal Horticultural Society and Garden Organic.
Said Walker Smith Way Associate Paul Makinson: “Whether you’re a landowner or a grower, once you’ve found your Landshare match via the scheme’s website it’s important to put a legal agreement in place. That way everyone involved is properly protected and absolutely clear about what the arrangements are… before you start growing your veg! “Standard agreement templates are available on the Landshare website, but as they may not suit your specific use Landshare advises participants to take independent legal advice to make sure they have the right agreement for them.”
Concluded Paul: “This is a fantastic scheme to get Britain growing and make the most of unused land, and we have already received a number of enquiries from people who want to sign up. Getting the legal side right means that all parties start off with a clear understanding of what they have committed to, as well as knowing how to terminate their involvement in the future if they need to. “
For more information on Landshare, log on to landshare.channel4.com. Walker Smith Way’s Agricultural Law and Commercial Property experts are happy to offer legal guidance on landsharing. To find out more information contact us or call 01244 357400 (Chester) or 01978 340400 (Wrexham).
