Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of leaving my holding to the Land Trust?
Leaving or gifting your holding to the Land Trust has a number of potential benefits:
it can help ensure that your organic or sustainable land management system, which may have taken years to build up, continues in the long term
it can prevent your land from being sold, broken up or amalgamated with other land in unsympathetic ways
it could provide opportunities for new farmers to work on the land
it could help the Soil Association promote the benefits of organic and sustainable food production
it could provide opportunities for education and to re-connect people with the stewardship of the land
I want my farm to remain in trust in perpetuity. Can you guarantee it will not be sold?
We aim to hold land in perpetuity subject to appropriate conditions being met. These will include a requirement that the land should remain financially self-sufficient. Where an accompanying financial settlement may be needed to maintain the holding in the long term, this will be discussed as part of the assessment process.
We are interested in leaving our farm to the Land Trust but want to continue to live here and farm for as long as we are able. Is that possible?
Yes. It is possible for the Land Trust to accept a gift of land and grant a lifetime tenancy to the donor so that they can continue in occupation for as long as they feel able. Details of such agreements could be tailored to suit the circumstances of individual donors.
Can we have a say in how things will be run when we are not farming ourselves?
Yes. We welcome the opportunity to help shape the future of your farm with you while you are fit and well and happy to be involved. This can be managed in many ways and we would agree these details with you in our discussions. We collaborate with the Soil Association’s Future Growers scheme for example and with the CSA Network UK for opportunities for new growing communities.
My land is not certified organic. Are you able to take this on?
We will accept land that is not certified organic providing it can be managed sustainably and where the environment and biodiversity are an inherent part of the farming/growing system. We would want to work towards organic certification when suitable opportunities arise.
I am interested in speaking with you further but would prefer to meet in person. Will I have to pay for you to visit me?
No. We are happy to discuss potential gifts on a no cost, no obligation basis. When we first speak with you we will try to get as full an understanding of your holding and wishes as possible and will arrange a visit based on the information you give us.
What would happen if the Land Trust or the Soil Association were to cease to exist?
In the extreme event that both charities were to cease to exist, we would aim to ensure that the farmland held by the Trust is transferred to a charity with aims closest to that of the Land Trust to ensure its long term protection.