Teamwork makes the farm ownership dream work

In this episode of Farming Together host Amanda Scott talks to Andie White who enlisted the help of Sam Marwood of Cultivate Farms to turn her family's dreams of owning a farm into a reality. Andie was among a growing number of landless farmers who could prove they were productive farmers but couldn't quite get a foothold in the property market. She talks about how she made it happen with Cultivate Farms, which matches retiring farmers with aspiring farmers and investors. Topics covered: The vision and journey of Cultivate Farms: How do you make ownership possible for those who are not going to inherit farms? Andie's farm ownership journey: from devastation and rejection to hope. Surrounding yourself of with a 'Tiger Team' of farmer friend experts who wanted is to succeed. Don't be scared to ask people for advice: it's a confidence booster for others! Andie's new Farm: irrigation and a house! Cultivate Farms: Retiring farmers who love the idea of ageing of farm and are open to the idea of sharing and supporting younger farmers Packaging the pitch: Prove you can do it, be ready and confident and keep hunting for opportunities (Cultivate can help with this) Putting yourself out there: Prove you have the morals and values in common with farmers Older farmers want to grow communities and support young farming families. Retiring farmers have so much power to make money and support their community. A question of values: Corporate owners vs locals farming families. Giving retiring farmers confidence that the land is going to be loved Investors want to be able to trace the provenance of where their money is invested There is nothing new about the legal framework Farmers need to get over their modesty Share farming is risky: Ask yourself, what is your exit strategy and are you being matched with someone who you can go into business with - but those risks are not unsurmountable. Further resources: Cultivate Farms website