Farm Commons

In this podcast episode we review the legal basics of financing a farmland purchase - using both traditional and non-traditional methods. Part I explores gifts, crowdfunding, grants, and loans and mortgages. Be sure to check out our brand new guide on this subject at farmcommons.org/resources.

In this part 2 episode, we continue our discussion of the legal implication of value added farm products. We cover liability, zoning, insurance, employment law, taxes and best business practices. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the legal implication of value added farm products. We cover liability, zoning, insurance, employment law, taxes and best business practices. Be sure to check out our print guide, Adding Value to Farm Products: The Legal Issues, for more information. All Farm Commons resources can be found at FarmCommons.org/resources.

Although starting a processing operation, improving packaging, and developing new products are great ways to make the farm more profitable, these activities have a huge legal impact. Employment laws, liability potential, state/federal regulations, and tax factors all change when a farm begins to process product. In this episode we review the standard framework for food regulations, including permits and licenses, and then we’ll talk about what cottage food laws can and cannot do to protect farms. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

Although starting a processing operation, improving packaging, and developing new products are great ways to make the farm more profitable, these activities have a huge legal impact. Employment laws, liability potential, state/federal regulations, and tax factors all change when a farm begins to process product. In this episode we review the standard framework for food regulations, including permits and licenses, and then we’ll talk about what cottage food laws can and cannot do to protect farms.

We continue our discussion of hosting on-farm events. In this episode we cover how to handle injuries that might occur during a farm event, considerations for fee-based events, and ends with a brief discussion on animals and workers. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

Farm events can be fun and effective ways to engage your community. But, there are laws and regulations to know about when planning an event. In this episode, we will discuss ways problems can arise and how to address them. Part I covers zoning, accommodating disabilities, potlucks, and food service. We’ll also hear from a member of the Farm Commons community about his experiences hosting events on his farm in Maine. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

We continue our discussion of hosting on-farm events. In this episode we cover how to handle injuries that might occur during a farm event, considerations for fee-based events, and ends with a brief discussion on animals and workers. Be sure to check out episode 11 for the first portion of the tutorial.

Farm events can be fun and effective ways to engage your community. But, there are laws and regulations to know about when planning an event. In this episode, we will discuss ways problems can arise and how to address them. Part I covers zoning, accommodating disabilities, potlucks, and food service. We’ll also hear from a member of the Farm Commons community about his experiences hosting events on his farm in Maine.

In Part II of our employment Law webinar, we cover a wide range of subjects including workers' compensation, overtime, work crews, and more. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

In Part II of our employment Law webinar, we cover a wide range of subjects including workers' compensation, overtime, work crews, and more.

Employment law is probably the single most complex legal concern for farmers. In this episode we cover minimum wage law, independent contractors, and hear from a guest speaker on best practices for interviewing, recruiting, and employee manuals. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

Employment law is probably the single most complex legal concern for farmers. Get started on the right path with this episode of the Farm Commons podcast, part ! of our employment law webinar. In this episode we cover minimum wage law, independent contractors, and hear from a guest speaker on best practices for interviewing, recruiting, and employee manuals.

Learn what it takes to host effective, enjoyable food service on your farm with this podcast. We'll delve into food service business planning and marketing, plus cover essential legal considerations for launching a sustainable enterprise. This episode emphasizes Wisconsin law, but may be useful for farmers in other states. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

Learn what it takes to host effective, enjoyable food service on your farm with this podcast. We'll delve into food service business planning and marketing, plus cover essential legal considerations for launching a sustainable enterprise. This episode emphasizes Minnesota law, but may be useful for farmers in other states. To view the slides, downoad and watch the tutorial with the same name.