Membership · Est. 1952

How to join our Company

Becoming a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farmers means joining a life-long fellowship of like-minded people from all walks of the farming and food industries.

Contact the Clerk Download the guides
Clothing ceremony / Master & new Liverymen

Who can join

Three ways to join

Most members join by Redemption, set out below. Membership by Patrimony and Servitude is subject to different rules.

  • Redemption

    Most members

    Followed by most members — the route set out below.

  • Patrimony

    Subject to different rules — please contact the Clerk.

  • Servitude

    Subject to different rules — please contact the Clerk.

The journey · by Redemption

From Freeman to Liveryman

You'll ideally have a Proposer and a Seconder — both Liverymen

A Proposer who has known you for at least five years and a Seconder who has known you for at least three. If you don't know a member of the Company, you should not be dissuaded from applying — in exceptional cases you may be invited to attend an interview. The Clerk can help.

  1. Visit us Luncheon or familiarisation day
  2. Apply online Complete the application form
  3. Meet the Court Informal talk with Master & Warden
  4. Court ballot Considered & voted on by the Court
  5. Freeman Admitted a Freeman of the Company
  6. Freedom of the City At the Chamberlain's Court
  7. Clothing Admitted a Liveryman

The cost

What it costs

Two kinds of payment — an annual subscription, and one-off “Fines”.

Item Amount
Quarterage — annual subscription, incl. charitable levy Set by Court — ask the Clerk
Fine — Freedom of the Company on joining Ask the Clerk
Fine — admission to the Livery at Clothing Ask the Clerk
Freedom of the City of London paid to the City £150

Only the City's £150 fee is fixed; Quarterage and the Company's Fines are confirmed by the Clerk.

Why join

What membership offers

  • An opportunity to give something back to the oldest industry of them all, especially in the field of agricultural education.
  • Our course in Agricultural Business Management, renowned throughout the industry both here and abroad.
  • Our work with the City Farm Movement, linking country to town in a very practical way.
  • Formal events — splendid occasions to enjoy our fellowship and bring guests to experience City traditions.

Good to know

Questions, answered

What if I don't know a member of the Company?

You should not be dissuaded from applying. In exceptional cases an applicant unable to provide a Proposer or Seconder may be invited to attend an interview — please contact the Clerk.

How long does it take to become a Liveryman?

It varies with the Court calendar. Applications are considered at Court meetings, and admission as a Freeman of the Company is followed by taking the Freedom of the City at the Chamberlain's Court before you are Clothed as a Liveryman. The Clerk will tell you which dates your application is working towards.

What will it cost to join?

There are two kinds of payment: Quarterage, the annual subscription, which includes the charitable levy and is set by the Court; and one-off Fines on admission to the Freedom of the Company and on Clothing. The City of London charges a separate fee of £150 for the Freedom of the City. The Clerk will confirm the current figures.

What does the Proposer do?

Your Proposer supports your application and should have known you for at least five years; a Seconder should have known you for at least three. Beyond the application itself your Proposer stays your “buddy”, friend and mentor for as long as you are in the Company.

Take the next step

Read, download, then talk to us

The Clerk assists at every stage — from first enquiry to Clothing.

Questions? Contact the Clerk

clerk@wcf1.pandadigitalservices.com 020 8326 2945

Email the Clerk

Or send us a message

Enquire about membership

Tell us a little about yourself and the Clerk will be in touch. There is no obligation, and you are welcome to visit us before applying.