Agricultural Law 2026 - Virtual Conference

Introduction

Chaired by Nerys Llewelyn Jones, Agricultural Law 2026 brings together leading specialists to explore the legal, regulatory and commercial developments shaping today’s rural sector. The programme delves into some of the most complex and fast moving issues facing advisers, from partnership structures and tenancy succession to the growing contractual impact of agri environmental schemes and the evolving landscape of succession and tax planning. With a strong emphasis on practical insight and real world application, the conference equips attendees to navigate an increasingly intricate environment with clarity and confidence.

Conference Agenda

This live and interactive 4-hour conference will cover the following:

10:30am-11:30am: Partnership Law and Dispute Resolution: Current Challenges for Legal Practitioners

Nerys Llewelyn Jones, Agri Advisor Solicitors

This session offers a comprehensive update on partnership law, focusing on the practical challenges legal practitioners face when advising clients in rural and family business contexts. Attendees will gain insight into the latest developments in dispute resolution strategies, including mediation and litigation, alongside an exploration of how recent changes in inheritance tax and partnership regulations impact succession planning and risk mitigation. Participants will leave equipped to identify potential partnership risks early and advise clients on the best strategies to avoid or resolve disputes.

Morning Break

11:40am-12:40pm: Who Gets the Farm? Navigating the Landscape of Tenancy Succession

Philip Meade, DM Property Consultants

As the agricultural sector undergoes generational change and tenancy law continues to evolve, this session will provide a timely and practical update on succession under Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies. It will cover recent legal developments, case law, and policy updates, while offering guidance for landlords and tenants on how to prepare for and manage succession claims. The session will also explore wider implications, including family dynamics, financial implications to the farm business and the long-term sustainability of tenanted farms.

Break for lunch

1:40pm-2:40pm: Agri-Environmental Agreements in the Context of Sale & Purchase Agreements

Sarah Denney-Richards, Denney King Consultants

As agri-environmental schemes like Countryside Stewardship, SFI, and legacy agreements become increasingly embedded in rural land management, it’s critical that advisers understand how these agreements interact with farm and land sales. This session will explore the legal and practical considerations surrounding the transfer, variation, or termination of such schemes in sale and purchase agreements, and how to safeguard clients' interests in the sale agreement whether buyer or seller.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the main types of agri-environmental agreements currently in place (e.g. SFI, Countryside Stewardship)
• Identify key contractual issues to address in sale and purchase contracts, including clawback risks and apportionment
• Understand the due diligence process for buyers in respect of agri-environmental schemes
• Draft and negotiate appropriate clauses to deal with ongoing or terminating agreements

Afternoon break

2:55pm-3:55pm: Fields of Inheritance: Navigating Agricultural Succession & Tax Reform in 2026

Nerys Llewelyn Jones, Agri Advisor Solicitors

This session will consider how to have that succession conversation with farming families and what needs to be included in that all important succession plan to capture the aims and objectives of the individuals involved as well as the wider farming business.

• How to approach the succession conversation
• How to structure a succession plan
• What options are available to farming families to consider in order to manage their affairs in a tax efficient manner
• How to implement the succession plan

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.