Diversifying your agricultural business can increase your farm revenue and reduce risk. We understand the need for this and the benefits it brings in the current market, as our team has direct experience in building new businesses. We are open to all ideas, with a pragmatic and commercial approach to the challenges involved.
We consider any credible proposal, from holiday lets, to farm shops and novel crops. All we ask for is a well-thought-out business plan and a clear understanding of the relevant expertise you may require and how you will access this.
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Lending Criteria
£100,000 to £10,000,000
England, Scotland and Wales*
Sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, tenant farmers with a right to buy
65%
Agricultural land and property
A relevant business plan
None
Interest only, roll up and repayment options
Typical duration of 12 to 84 months
How Can We Help
Case Studies
Loaning to new entrants: an agricultural loan for farm diversification
New entrant farmers are often unable to access loans from traditional lenders if they are unable to prove their experience in the farming sector. This was the situation for one of our recent agricultural loan cases.
The borrowers required a little over £1 million in funds to purchase and diversify a beef farm. The borrowers planned to move from beef production to an alternative and profitable livestock option: venison. Venison farming is growing in popularity as more people wish to consume it, both for its taste and its lean protein credentials.
They also planned to add income from caravan storage and the redevelopment of residential properties on the farm. Finally, they would also generate income from the established woodland through timber production, alongside renting out some areas.
The borrowers have previously owned a non-agricultural business and had no farming background which is why high street lenders were unwilling to provide finance. But the borrowers had clear business acumen and a strong background in building successful businesses. They also demonstrated they were aware of the need to seek professional guidance when moving into a new business sector.
The farm was in need of redevelopment and the agricultural loan allowed the borrowers to restore and redevelop the farm into a thriving country estate. The local area also benefited from this, both through the reinvigoration of the estate and the provision of employment and local trade work that helped to support the local community.
Funding for Diversification
Our client had recently taken control of the family farms and wanted to improve their revenue. We provided funds secured on the main farm to Secure the opportunistic purchase of four cottages that were modernised and then let…
