Attorney to teach farm law at workshop in Missoula

Press release

From hiring workers, leasing or buying land, implementing food safety measures, negotiating sales, forming an LLC, filing taxes, getting insurance and so on, legal issues work their way into every aspect of the sustainable farm. The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition is partnering with Farm Commons to host Sustainable Farm Law 101 in Missoula to help farmers make sure their businesses are legally secure.

This two-day workshop March 10-11 is geared toward direct-to-consumer farmers. It is designed to help participants move forward on legal issues of greatest importance to their operation, including:

Day 1

• Farm Business Creation and Succession: Starting an operation from scratch and successful succession strategy for retirement, tax issues, labor contributions and more

• Leasing: From settling on a rate to discussing water access and permitted uses, the class covers the essentials of a solid lease, plus tips on how to negotiate with neighbors

• Purchasing Land: Mortgages, seller-financing and land contracts are popular but the strength of these options depends on the details hidden in the paperwork — learn to spot them

Day 2

• Business organization: How to select and form a business entity that encourages optimal management of farm operation, whether starting a new business or transferring an existing one

• Workers: How to address priority employment law issues, including workers’ compensation, minimum wage rules, volunteers, and internship programs.

• Insurance and Liability: Insurance for injuries can get people back on their feet if they have the right policy. The class will cover those and crop insurance options for a variety of farms

The workshop will be co-facilitated by attorney Rachel Armstrong and Montana farmers. User-friendly legal education will be integrated with practical, on the ground experience, including input from participants. Expect a compelling, informative and engaging workshop to help people take action to build a stronger, more resilient farm.

Full registration is $70 or $40 for a single day with a limited number of seats available.

For more information and to register, visit the events page at farmlinkmontana.org or contact [email protected]