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Agribusiness

We can help you manage your risk profile and guide you through the many uncertainties facing agribusinesses today.

Agribusiness

Just as Australia’s mineral resources sector has become an indispensable component of Asia’s energy and resources mix, our national agribusiness sector faces an unparalleled opportunity for growth and investment by supplying those same markets with high yield, high quality food and fibre.

Expertise

Our Agribusiness team has many years’ experience in all agribusiness industries including sugar, dairy, beef, sheep and horticulture. We have significant experience in mining issues and renewable energy (wind and solar).   
We have worked with processors and representative industry groups in interpreting new legislation and implementing required changes to contracts or resolving disputes in accordance with legislative requirements.
In addition, we specialise in intergenerational business transitions of family farming enterprises. 

Our expertise includes:

  • advising on vertical integration – becoming more than just a bulk commodities exporter by realising the benefits of value adding prior to export
  •  risk management – diversifying your interests by geography and commodity, and allocating risks between joint venture partners
  • infrastructure development and delivery, operation and maintenance
  • finance, mortgages, securities (real estate and personal property), insolvency and debt restructuring
  • pastoral and occupancy leasing and share-farming arrangements, and contracting out farm operations
  •  documenting partnership, trust and company structures for property ownership and management
  • statutory resumptions, mining interests, and compulsory acquisitions including valuation issues
  •  land titling including leasehold conversions and easements.

Experience

Our experience in realising this potential in the energy and resources context, coupled with our working knowledge of Australia’s agricultural sector and primary industries, puts us in a unique position to help clients turn that potential into commercial reality.

Recently, we have:

  • provided transactional, disposal and titling advice involving national plantation and forestry trusts
  • advised on structuring, acquiring and disposals of rural land and assets involving private and proprietary limited companies within the forestry, sugar and cattle industries in Queensland 
  • advised private clients in complex financial facilities and rural loan specific agreements, mortgage and personal property securities 
  • advised on leasing, licensing, indemnities and option agreements in the support of energy efficiency schemes surrounding solar and wind projects in Queensland 
  • negotiated pre-sale issues involving resumption and encroachment of rural land in Queensland
  • provided advice on contaminated and environmental rural land issues 
  • advised on transactional land transfers of rural family business assets.

Additional experience

  • Shanghai Zhongfu Group — advising on its bid to acquire agricultural land to establish a greenfield sugar industry in Western Australia and associated infrastructure
  • Olam International Limited — acting in respect of its Australian operations across various industry sectors including pulses and grains, almonds, cotton and in respect of  infrastructure projects such as the  Newcastle agri terminal
  • private equity participants — advising on various investments in agribusiness, including in diverse sectors such as fruit and vegetables, potatoes and wine
    • acting for listed European companies in respect of joint venture arrangements with Australian supermarkets for meat packaging
    • advising on large rural property acquisitions across Australia and including the purchase of rural water rights, both for private investors and for unlisted agribusiness funds.

Key Contacts

Geoff Farnsworth

Geoff Farnsworth

Partner

Sydney
Howard Rapke

Howard Rapke

Managing Partner

Melbourne
Trent Taylor

Trent Taylor

Partner

Brisbane
Kylie Wilson

Kylie Wilson

Partner

Brisbane

Recent Posts

23 June 2020 - Knowledge

Share farming arrangements: Asset or liability?

#Agribusiness, #Private Client Practice

Share farming arrangements can be a valuable arrangement for a primary producer who wants assistance in growing and managing their business, or for one who wants to grow their own business but lacks the capital to acquire land of their own. However, this arrangement can result in significant costs or an inequality in the share of any profits from the mutual arrangement if improperly drafted.

30 April 2020 - Knowledge

Secure now, pay later: Buying rural land during COVID-19

#Agribusiness, #Property & Real Estate, #COVID-19

With drought breaking in some areas of the country, more and more rural properties are being placed on the market following improving conditions and sale prices. Unfortunately with the current restrictions being imposed by COVID-19, it is not an easy time for buyers looking to purchase property. 

27 April 2020 - Knowledge

Pouring from an empty cup

#Agribusiness, #COVID-19

Parents may see their children suffering through this COVID-19 crisis and be tempted to offer, or be asked, to render financial assistance. Exercise caution, seek advice on any proposed help, and be careful not to let the instinctive pull of your parental protectiveness overwhelm your own necessities.

10 March 2020 - Knowledge

Transfer of family businesses and transfer duty concessions

#Agribusiness

Traditionally family businesses have passed to younger generations through the process of succession. However, with an aging population, more and more families are looking for alternative ways to transition family businesses to younger generations during the life of their parents.

08 January 2020 - Knowledge

Buying and selling rural property in Queensland

#Agribusiness

The sale of rural property is unique. There are a number of key provisions that are required which are not contemplated by standard REIQ contracts of sale that must be addressed before a contract is signed.

10 December 2019 - Knowledge

Expert guide: Be ready for 2020

#Agribusiness, #Corporate & Commercial Law, #Data & Privacy, #Immigration Law, #Native Title, #Planning, Environment & Sustainability, #Property & Real Estate, #Technology, Media & Telecommunications, #Transport, Shipping & Logistics, #Workplace Relations & Safety, #Procurement

New whistleblower requirements, increased pressure to protect data globally, turbulence in the communications sector, and intensifying drought management issues - 2020 is set to be a significant time of change across many industries.

10 December 2019 - Knowledge

Is your casual farm worker now a permanent employee?

#Agribusiness

Casual workers can be a fantastic resource for farmers ready to reap a bountiful harvest, or complete laborious one-off tasks on a property. 

12 November 2019 - Knowledge

Use of chemicals in the workplace: Are you complying with Queensland’s work health safety laws?

#Agribusiness

Chemicals have long been used in primary production. But these chemicals can be dangerous and increased enforcement of Queensland's work health safety laws mean that the safe use, handling, and storage of chemicals in the workplace is more essential than ever.

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