This webinar, presented by Attorney Erin Hannum of Farm Commons and farmer Julia Asherman, explains when USDA decisions can be appealed through the National Appeals Division (NAD) and what to expect from the process. They cover key deadlines, how to tell if your decision is appealable, and practical tips for preparing for a NAD hearing. Designed for farmers and organizations seeking clarity, confidence, and real-world guidance.
Participant: Farmers
Farmers and Lending Law
This webinar, presented by Attorney Stephen Carpenter of Farmers Legal Action Group, looks at the way the law approaches lending when the farmer has trouble making payments. Attorney Carpenter discusses the common types of loans, forms of collateral that are often used, and actions that lenders can take – generally foreclosures, repossession, judgments, and refusing to extend additional credit. Attorney Carpenter also provides a brief summary of how bankruptcy law applies to farmers and summarizes some of the common mistakes a farmer in that situation might make. Lastly, he describes some of the special rules that apply when USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is the lender and the decision to approach a lawyer.
Exploring H2A
The H-2A Visa Program makes it possible for farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for agricultural work in the United States. With a tight labor market, the visa program is experiencing a lot of growth – farmers who have never considered it before are taking a closer look. This webinar, presented by Attorney Chloe Johnson of Farm Commons, will help farmers assess whether H-2A might help address their labor shortage issues. Attorney Johnson also goes over the extensive regulatory obligations that come with participation in this program.
Small Business Setup & Taxes
As someone in the beginning stages of starting a farm or food business, you recognize that running a business has certain legal and tax-related implications. This webinar, presented by Attorney Andrew Kraus and CPA Mike Perna covers high level information about legal and tax requirements for maintaining a business entity, examples of what your business can expect to be taxed on, and common mistakes start-up business owners make that can be very costly.
Chapter 12 Farm Reorganizations
This webinar recording covers the basics of Chapter 12 bankruptcy, including feasibility, transitional and sale plans, tax advantages, and the roles of attorneys, the court, and trustees. The panelists help dispel misconceptions about bankruptcy, demystify the Chapter 12 process, and discuss how it can serve as a tool for farm transfer and transition. This webinar was presented by Vermont Law School’s College for Agriculture and Food Systems and the Association of Chapter 12 Trustees.
Food Safety Liability Basics
It’s every farmer or rancher’s worst nightmare: Someone claims to have gotten sick from the food they produced. No matter how safe the operation is, the risk is always there. The good news is there are ways to manage and mitigate the impacts of this risk. In this webinar, attorney Chloe Forkner Johnson of Farm Commons discusses the best practices every farmer or rancher can adopt to get a foothold in managing their food safety liability exposure.
Succession Planning
Succession planning is a critical step to ensuring your business can continue to operate even if someone retires or leaves the company. Succession planning is very specific to your business and should be done with the guidance of an attorney. Attorney Eric Archer of Archer & Foppert has supported many businesses with their succession plans. During this session Eric and Jayne Merner (a farmer) illustrate what succession planning looks like, common pitfalls and tips for working with an attorney.
Farm Employment Law Basics
With just a few key rules, farms can navigate employment law with confidence. Join Rachel Armstrong of Farm Commons to learn the fundamentals of farm employment law including classifying workers and the obligations of every farm employer.
H2A Visa Program Basics
The H-2A visa program makes it possible for farmers to bring in citizens of other countries for agricultural work in the United States. This video will help farmers assess whether H-2A might be a good fit with their operations. We consider the program’s purpose and legal obligations. With human trafficking also on the rise, we’ll address key ways producers can guard against worker vulnerability in this program.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
On-Farm Housing Rules and Regulations
Many farms offer on-farm housing as a way of improving worker quality of life and provide additional compensation. Detailed federal, state, and local regulations are in place to make sure farm housing is safe and fair. Learn the basics of these rules with this video.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance for Farmers
Workers compensation and unemployment insurance can be tricky for farm businesses, as detailed exceptions for farm labor complicate the rules. Explore the state specific rules for Northeastern states around these two legal areas. Don’t miss the straightforward option to minimize the confusion, as well as leads on where to find more information.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
Minimum Wage, Overtime, and Breaks for Farmers
Sometimes, legal basics can be more complicated than we think, and this is especially true when it comes to farm employment law. This video outlines when and how employment laws such as minimum wage, overtime, and rest breaks apply to farm businesses. We cover federal and Northeast-specific state laws in a way that helps farm owners and workers move forward.
This series is presented by the Cultivemos Legal Cohort. Cultivemos, (formerly known as FRSAN-NE, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network Northeast) aims to improve behavioral health awareness, literacy, access, and outcomes for farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers in the Northeast by developing a service provider network that can assist and meet the unique needs of agricultural workers.
Employment Law for Massachusetts Farmers
What should farms in Massachusetts consider when hiring employees? What are the rules of the road for agricultural workers in the Commonwealth. These two webinars from 2018 and 2024 cover key information for complying with Massachusetts employment law. Both webinars cover worker classification, overtime, agricultural labor exceptions, minimum wages (note that the amounts changed from 2018 to 2024), and comparing Massachusetts and federal employment laws, and how to know which applies.
Attorney Beth O’Neal of Conn Kavanaugh also covers the following in her 2018 presentation:
- Consequences of employee misclassification
- 2018 federal unpaid intern guidance
Attorney Sean Fontes of Partridge Snow & Hahn also covers the following in his 2024 presentation:
- A deeper dive into agricultural labor
- Leave and sick time
- Unemployment insurance
- Paying minors
- 2024 federal independent contractor classification rule
Easements
Easements on a piece of property significantly influence how land can be used. Attorney Andrew Marchev and Third-Year Law Student Clinician Veronica Gassert of Three Rivers Law present the different types of easements and common conditions found in each.
Selling Value-Added Products on the Farm
If you are a farmer interested in opening a farmstand on your property, this webinar will teach you about key federal, state and local regulations that impact small food producers who seek to make and sell value-added products from home. We will cover what’s allowed when selling meat, eggs, dairy, cottage foods such as pickles and baked goods, and more, and explore the legal solutions that can help these businesses grow and thrive.
Presenter: Legal Services Specialist, Christine Dzujna, of Farm-To-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
Hosting a Food Focused Event: The Legal Side of a Delicious Activity
Hosting an event with food on your farm is a great way to gather your community, educate the public about farming, and grow your business. Watch this webinar to learn about next steps to safely and legally offer samples, host a tasting, farm to table meal, or other event with food on your farm. During the session you will hear from Corie Pierce, owner of Bread and Butter Farm in Shelburne, Vermont and regular host of burger nights. You will also hear from Andrew Marchev, Legal Fellow at the Center for Agriculture and Food Systems and Lisa Chase, Agritourism Expert at University of Vermont Extension.
Presenters: Corie Pierce, Bread and Butter Farm Vermont, Dr. Lisa Chase, University of Vermont, Attorney Andrew Marchev, Fellow at Vermont Law School
Laws of the Land: What to Know About Your Farm BEFORE You Commit
You’ve heard the phrase ‘location, location, location’ when it comes to choosing a home. It’s no different for farmers when choosing a site for their farm business. All sites come with unique conditions that impact the farm’s viability, including physical characteristics, zoning restrictions, federal and state permitting requirements, and pre-existing third-party rights of neighbors, landlords, tenants, easement holders, or lenders. This webinar will cover the who, what, how, where, and most importantly, why, of identifying the unique characteristics and regulatory requirements tied to your future farm property before you sign on the dotted line.
Presenters: Attorneys Laura Hartz and Stacey Caulk of Drummond Woodsum
Agriculture Employment Rules for NH
Understanding labor and employment law is essential for operating a successful farm. Both federal and New Hampshire law treat agricultural work differently than other forms of employment. Depending on the size of the farm and the agricultural tasks done, an employee may be exempt from, for example, minimum wage. This guide is a brief look at what labor laws apply to farming activities to help New Hampshire agricultural employers and employees understand their rights and obligations. Most employee standards are detailed in Title 23 of New Hampshire’s statutes.
Employment Rules for Agricultural Workers in Maine
Understanding the requirements of labor and employment law is essential in operating a successful farm business. Both Maine and federal law treat agricultural work differently than other forms of employment. Before hiring an employee, it is important to familiarize yourself with the relevant state and federal laws that govern the employer/employee relationship. This guide is intended to inform farm employers about the general requirements when hiring employees.
Introduction to Land Leases
In New England, many farmers choose to lease their farmland instead of buying it. It is important to think about what your farmland lease will include and advocate for yourself so that the provisions that you need are in the lease. This guide discusses several of the issues that you should think about including in your lease with the help of your lawyer.
Farmland Leases
While many farm leases are done with a handshake, this practice is not a good idea because there is no written agreement in the event of a disagreement between the parties. A well-written lease agreement will make the lease terms clear and leave less opportunity for misunderstanding and reduces the likelihood of a potential conflict between a landowner and a farmer.
Alternative Ways to Buy The Farm
This Guide explores the following alternative ways to purchase farmland:
- Seller-financed land acquisition
- Purchase by installments
- Lease with an option to purchase.
Your Legal Toolkit for Starting a Farm
When you’re starting a farm business, there are lots of important legal issues to consider, from what type of business entity you’ll form to how to protect yourself from liability and plan for the future. This comprehensive webinar will equip farmers with the legal know-how to tackle these key decisions and start off on a strong legal footing.
Employment Law for Maine Farmers
Navigating employment laws on your farm can be a challenging task. This webinar will help Maine farmers understand how to handle various workers on your farm, including WOOFers, volunteers, and CSA workers.
Presenter: Tom Trenholm, Drummond Woodsum.