Bidwells Agribusiness department has set up a new working partnership with New Zealand agricultural real estate agent PGG Wrightson to help European investors channel money into farmland and rural property in New Zealand.

The arrangement will allow PGG Wrightson to access Bidwells' investor clients. Properties will be available through a dedicated micro-site, bidwells.co.uk/newzealand and Bidwells staff in Cambridge will be able to deal with initial queries and provide background information before handing over serious enquiries to the PGG Wrightson team in Christchurch.

Commenting on the arrangement, Bidwells Agribusiness partner Carl Atkin says: "We are pleased to be entering into an arrangement with PGG Wrightson to allow them to market their properties in Europe both publically through our usual marketing channels but also to our own private database of individuals interested in purchasing farmland. There is considerable interest in New Zealand, particularly in large scale dairy units which are globally competitive and interest in the agricultural sector remains strong. Global farmland prices are predicted to rise strongly and it is a useful non-correlated real estate investment and inflation hedge."

Ben Taylor of Bidwells Rural Agency comments: "Regardless of where you are investing from, asset selection is critical. The specialist agricultural and rural property knowledge resulting from this partnership will herald a unique service to buyers offering bespoke advice on land selection to suit individual objectives and managing the complete purchasing process from asset selection to completion."

Stuart Cooper, general manager of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, said the new relationship would provide Kiwi farmers with a double benefit. He says: “Bidwells will work with us to profile selected New Zealand rural properties to their clients in the United Kingdom and Europe.

“New Zealand has always been a popular destination for British farmers looking to make a fresh start in a country where they are familiar with the language, the culture and general farming systems. This relationship will streamline that process for them, providing farmers who list property with PGG Wrightson access to a wider range of potential purchasers.

“Additionally, Bidwells Agribusiness has excellent relationships with many high net worth clients, family offices and institutions who have considerable experience and success investing internationally in agribusiness. As the world emerges from recession, the fundamentally favourable conditions that underpin New Zealand agriculture make it an attractive option for smart investors who understand primary production. Bidwells provides ongoing consultancy to many such individuals and businesses, and the unparalleled understanding PGG Wrightson has of New Zealand farmers and their businesses will provide a mutually beneficial avenue for investment opportunities here."