The Service and how it could help you
My service is based on understanding :
  • to understand what motivates a client and their family to move to France
  • to understand what type of farm they are looking for and, if they know, where
  • to understand their needs (from both agricultural and family viewpoints)
  • to understand their project completely
  • to understand how they intend to produce (rear, fatten, grow) the farm’s produce
  • and most important how they intend to sell that produce
    • Prior to engaging any potential client in a contract I see my initial role as an advisor to inform as to :
  • the viability and practicality of their project
  • the sustainability of their project (there is no point in "installing" a family today for the project to "bite the dust" in a few years time)
  • and finally, to inform if the type of property they are looking for and in their preferred regions is findable or not
    • I believe it only professional and "fair" to pass information freely to potentially-interested parties so that they have all the facts at their fingertips in order to make what is probably the most important decision of their lives – leaving their country of birth and moving elsewhere.
    My Philosophy : To offer my clients the same quality of service that I would wish if I was in their situation, to furnish them with all information enabling them to make business and other decisions based on a sound understanding.
    A Flexible and Result-Driven Service That Responds to Client’s Needs
    The service is flexible and can be shaped to individual client’s needs and wants – there is no obligation to have to contract all phases – just to pick and choose those phases that suit your needs. Not only that but the service is result-driven, allowing you to see benefits at the end of every phase.
    The service itself is broken down into three separate phases (that reflect the usual "installation" process in France) each with an individual contract :
    Every phase is optional – you only pay for the service you require
    1. Farm Search & Client Visits
    Following establishment of your criteria and the viability, sustainability and findability of your "ideal" farm the initial step is to undertake a thorough search for any farm that corresponds to your criteria. I personally visit every farm that I, from experience, believe matches those criteria and render a full written report together with colour photographs, house floor plan and farm plan. The report includes all vital information from farm size to amount of quota and single farm payment (DPU) as well as details on the condition of livestock, leys, arable, machinery and installations, plus of course the farmhouse.
    Sent to you (electronically or by standard mail) you have the chance, to "view" the farm, to "view" the farm, prior to deciding if it merits a visit or not. I accompany throughout your visit and can provide transport too.
    2. Further Project Development to Completion
    During this stage, once you have found your "ideal" property, the "nuts and bolts" of your project are put together, initial contact with a bank (if not completed during your visit) and a feasibility study is made (by farm accountants within the Chambre d’Agriculture or the Centre d’Economie Rurale in the département where the property is located) based on your plans and would include :
    Cost of acquisition, plus ancillary fees and stamp duty
    Farm assets acquisition
    Further investments (immediate or for a later date)
    Funding
    Means of production and marketing produce
    Farmland management
    Personal drawings

    The feasibility study serves as guide document to assist the bank in its financing decision. During this stage (or before) I apply for recognition of young farmer’s status (necessitating the translation of several documents) and translate the acquirer’s personal details to enable the notaire to accomplish the formalities for the acquisition or rent contract.
    Though others may well charge extra for translation of such documents I do not as I perceive it to be an essential part of the service. Other elements of this stage include :
    Application for all available grants and subsidies (included within feasibility study)
    Sourcing quotes for machinery and further livestock (if needed)
    Sourcing quotes for house and building improvements and insurance
    and at all times regular contact with clients is maintained.

    You will receive a translated copy, prior to signature, of your property exchange and completion &/or rent documents that would have been prepared by the notaire.
    3 The post-Installation Service
    A comprehensive year-long back-up service, enables you to get on with the farming. I look after the paperwork ! During this phase I will :
    Complete and deposit your initial "Déclaration PAC" plus separate animal premium declarations,
    Continue to apply on your behalf for all further grants & subsidies
    Introduce you to, and with your approval, engage an approved firm of farm accountants,
    Monitor your budget and update initial targets as necessary,
    Assist with the purchase of further livestock and machinery & apply for purchase-related subsidies,
    Seek quotes (as required)
    Undertake tasks for your family’s welfare (schools, paperwork, car registration)
    I see this supporting phase as crucial. To know that you have my full back-up that you can rely upon, covering all your needs, e.g. problem-solving service in the event of mishap, examples include : tractor or machinery break-down, I organise repairs and free (if possible) use, or loan, of a similar piece of equipment prior to the return of your tackle ; finding & hiring of 3rd parties (contractors, shearers, seasonal workers) are further examples of the potential cost saving that my service can provide.