Five-step model

Definition of project
The first step involves defining what you want from the (future) project. It is easier to be realistic about the project after visiting the country where the project is to take place. We will therefore recommend you to make an initial visit to the country in question – perhaps in your holidays. If you go on holiday with your family in the country, you will often receive an impression of the culture, infrastructure and the population. You will also find out if the distances are (un)acceptable.
Moreover, it is important to establish the financial basis and prepare a timetable and an action plan in the first phase.

Search phase
In this phase, several available farm holdings are identified, and trite but necessary inspections are carried out. For example it is examined whether you are negotiating with the legal owner of the land (ownership relationship) and if the soil quality, infrastructure and precipitation conditions are satisfactory.

Decision-making phase
In this phase a pre-sales contract is prepared including, among others, timetable and security for delivery. Often the land is pre-paid and land register and deed is checked. Moreover, the entire area is inspected and compared with the cadastral map.

Purchase phase
In the purchase phase, transactions in large amounts are made. Consequently, getting the right legal advice is crusial. This phase is especially sensitive to problems. Some farmers ask for our assistance because they have previously experienced that the large payments they were about to receive have been frozen for a period due to currency restrictions. This is the reason why a transfer agreement must be made and followed 100 per cent. When the project deviates from the plan, the deviations must be clarified down to the last detail. The farmers have also had problems with defective title deeds. In the worst case, this may cost them their land rights and the land may eventually be sold to another buyer.

Commissioning and operation
After implementation of the above phases, a solid foundation is built and prepares the ground for the technical and operational part of the project. Calculations and negotiations concerning the buildings can now start. This phase also involves contact with the authorities, project design and establishment of a local network.
 

Foto Jens Tønnesen