
Legal support for agribusinesses
Joanne McKenzie, Head of Agribusiness
Business
Agribusiness
"Burnetts are a very forward thinking practice who are proactive with advice rather than reactive – they look at a client’s issues and give sensible, positive advice." - Legal 500, 2021
In the complex world of agribusiness and farming, it is vital to have a legal team looking after you who really understands this specialist area.
We have developed one of the largest agribusiness teams in the county - meaning we have got the expertise, experience and resource to get the job done.
As testament to this, we are a top-ranked firm for agriculture and rural affairs within the Chambers guide to solicitors.
We represent a range of businesses from farmers to estate owners, tenant farmers and smallholders. We pride ourselves in cutting through the jargon and delivering a comprehensive, fast and agile service in order to achieve our clients' objectives.
With offices in Cumbria and Newcastle we are ideally placed at the heart of this rural landscape and understand the challenges businesses face within the sector.
You can rely on us to take the stress away from dealing with the intricacies of your legal affairs, leaving you to concentrate on the running of your business and progressing new projects.
Burnetts has a long-standing commitment to agriculture in the region. Our head office is in the agri-hub of Carlisle' within the Rosehill industrial estate, and just a short walk from the largest auction mart in the UK as well as specialist land agency and accountancy firms.
You will see us in the community backing major rural events, such as the Cumberland and Cockermouth Shows; sponsoring classes at the Borderway Mart and actively involved within organisations such as Young Farmers.
The need for detailed, up-to-date advice on agricultural matters has never been greater than today. As EU developments affect agriculture in the UK, the need for access to clear and concise advice becomes increasingly important.
“They are approachable, accessible, modern and flexible. Their knowledge and their service was great." - Chambers, 2021
Our team, headed by Partner Joanne McKenzie, offers a one-stop, high quality agribusiness law service for a growing number of clients across the region.
We advise on all aspects of Farming and Estates including:
- Sale and purchase of agricultural land and farms
- Farming partnership arrangements
- Implementing accountancy tax advice
- Agricultural estates – planning and development
- Bank lending and re-financing work
- Land registration issues
- Compulsory purchase/infrastructure projects
- Rights of way
- Wayleaves
- Telecommunications masts
- Agricultural land tribunals
Get In Touch
Want to know more about Agribusiness? Contact us to find out more.

Joanne McKenzie
Head of Agribusiness

Richard Miller
Head of Property

Diane Barnes
Senior Associate

Megan Richardson
Senior Associate

Rachel Elliott
Paralegal

Charlotte Graham
Paralegal
Megan Richardson
Senior Associate
Megan is a Senior Associate in Burnetts' Agribusiness and Commercial Property team