Home Competencies Agricultural law

Agricultural law

More than almost any other sector, agriculture is characterised by a wide range of factors. The ‘simple country life’ now exists only in advertising films. Just as extensive and multifaceted as everyday life on a farm is, so too are the legal requirements that must be observed in order to run a successful agricultural business.

Reifes Getreidefeld mit goldenen Ähren unter blauem Himmel

Areas of specialisation in agricultural law

As a law firm specialising in agricultural law for many years, we advise you – whether you are a farmer or an agricultural business – across the entire spectrum of agricultural law. Our main aim is to provide you with comprehensive advice on achieving your business objectives, rather than merely addressing individual cases. In the field of agricultural law, we advise you in particular on the following areas:

Roter Traktor auf einer grünen Wiese bei blauem Himmel

Lease law

Advice on the drafting of lease agreements; enforcement of claims arising from lease agreements.

Contractor law

Advice on the drafting of contractor agreements, with particular regard to state aid regulations; enforcement of claims arising from contractor agreements.

Company law

Advice on choosing the most suitable legal form; drafting articles of association; preparing and overseeing company conversions and restructurings; supporting business sales from valuation through to the finalisation of contracts; advice on company acquisitions; mediating disputes between shareholders.

Gelbe Mähbinder erntet Getreide und füllt einen grünen Traktor in einem Feld.

Business succession

Developing succession plans, whether within or outside the family, whilst ensuring a seamless handover to the successor; providing advice on the specific inheritance laws applicable to farmers.

State aid law

Advice on EU law relating to the Common Agricultural Policy and on maximising funding opportunities; support with legal issues concerning organic farming; assistance with premium reductions and cross-compliance breaches.

Dairy market

Advice on milk supply contracts and obligations under co-operative law; assistance with regulatory proceedings (Milk Quality Regulation, animal health, etc.); competition law issues.

Grüner Feldweg zwischen Maisfeldern unter blauem Himmel mit Wolken

Cereal trade

Advice on the drafting of grain contracts; enforcement of claims arising from grain supply contracts; representation in legal proceedings, including before arbitral tribunals.

Land Law / Planning Law

Advice on agricultural land law, with particular regard to the Land Transactions Act and public planning law; support for construction projects.

Tax law

Support in disputes with the tax authorities; advice on the optimal tax structuring of agricultural businesses and individual projects.

Frequently Asked Questions
on Agricultural Law

What areas of agricultural law does the firm specialise in?

We can advise you on all matters relating to agricultural law. As one of the leading law firms in this field across Germany, we cover the entire spectrum of legal issues in the agricultural sector, from A – as in ‘agricultural application’ – to Z – as in ‘sugar beet shares’.

What should be borne in mind regarding lease agreements with communities of heirs?

Please note that communities of heirs – unlike, for example, GbRs – do not have legal personality. Lease agreements must therefore generally be signed by all the heirs, who often need to be identified first and are not always easy to contact.

What factors are relevant when it comes to business succession?

Business succession – whether in agriculture or other sectors – is shaped not only by legal, tax and economic considerations, but often by emotional factors as well. It is important that all parties involved know what they want and that there is agreement on this. We then implement the agreed objectives in a legally optimised manner. And as the challenges are often of a tax nature, we always work hand in hand with our clients’ tax advisers when handling business succession matters.