A new pathway to farm ownership in NZ

Landify, a purpose-driven company, says it’s is shaking up the agricultural sector with a new platform designed to make farming partnerships accessible to the next generation.

Sarah How and Tara Dwyer.

Recognizing the persistent challenges younger farmers face in securing capital for farm ownership, co-founders Sarah How and Tara Dwyer developed Landify as a simple, yet innovative solution to open up ownership pathways and disrupt the ongoing trend of farm consolidation.

“It’s no secret that many of our established farmers are nearing retirement and looking for ways to step back,” says How.

“At the same time, we have a generation of skilled, passionate younger farmers who want to gain and grow a stake in the industry but lack the capital to compete in traditional markets. We knew there had to be a better way to connect these two groups.”

Landify serves as a secure, anonymous platform for exploring a variety of farming partnerships, from leasing and equity partnerships, to share-farming and vendor financing.

“These types of partnerships are under-explored, partly because of the lack of accessible ways for families to consider them discreetly,” Dwyer explains.

“Landify provides a space to safely explore these options and potentially secure a future for family farming in New Zealand.”

Since its launch, Landify has attracted almost 800 users, with the Listings page amassing over 2500 views.

The platform connects established farmers, aspiring farm owners, and investors throughout NZ, supporting those ready to explore partnership possibilities that may otherwise be out of reach.

What sets Landify apart is its social mission, namely creating viable pathways to farm ownership for the next generation.

Users can anonymously browse listings and, if desired, join as verified members to post their own opportunities or enquire about existing ones. This system encourages wide participation while supporting serious connections that bring farmers and investors together.

For How and Dwyer, Landify’s early success is only the beginning. “We’re grateful for the support of our advisory board, including well known members of the rural community, Brent Irving, Sarah Barr, Sarah Perriam-Lampp, and Phil Veal,” says How.

“We have a long way to go, but seeing farmers and investors on our platform reassures us that we’re moving in the right direction.”

The ultimate goal is to see established farmers consider partnership options that support the next generation before defaulting to the open market.

Success would also be that younger farmers are prompted to think seriously and realistically about their goals and planning, with good advisors at their side.