Farm Commons

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is part 2 of 2 episodes on sales contracts for farm produce. We pick back up with a brief discussion of how to avoid late or non-payment, and then move on to the actual process of drafting a sales contract. Then we talk about something that we all hope never happens – what do you do if something goes wrong? To view the slides, download and watch the full tutorial with the same name.

This is part 1 of 2 episodes on sales contracts for farm products. In this hour we will cover Farm Commons' unique approach to developing sales contracts--availability sheets and invoices. We will also address some common problems that can come up, such as quantity/quality disputes, customer ignorance, and more. We finish off from hearing a cautionary tale about the importance of using sales contracts from a member of the Farm Commons community. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.

In this Part 2 episode, we round out our discussion of CSA Law by diving into some juicy topics: buying and trading in product for your CSA, worker share and intern programs, and farm events and festivals. To view the slides, download and watch the tutorial with the same name.