A prudent farmer should know if he or she is required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When you can’t ask an attorney, doing your own legal research is a second best if you have a little time and tenacity. Here are ideas for learning the workers’ comp laws of your own state. What’s… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Regulations
Safe Local Food: The farmer’s legal and social responsibilities.
If produce from a small local farm makes someone sick, that person can sue the farmer under a tort action. Although the threat of a difficult, expensive legal battle is one motivation to grow safe food, the more important reason may be that rigorous food safety practices preserve the values of trust and community that… Read more »
The Farmer’s Apprentice, Part 2
If a farmer wants to pay subminimum wages to an apprentice, she has to apply for a special certificate. One look at the requirements to receive the certificate and most farmers will close the book on apprenticeships. The new agriculture- local, organic, urban, or whatever your flavor- simply isn’t right for this employee alternative, yet…. Read more »
The Farmer’s Apprentice
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), an apprentice does not have to be paid the minimum wage. The paperwork required to establish a formal apprenticeship program may be abundant, but it also defines the exact expectations of farmer and apprentice. The benefits of being within the law, and of having clear communication, might be… Read more »
Protecting Farmers Markets From Imposters
Not all farmers markets sell products exclusively grown by the vendor standing behind the pile of produce. Some states are trying to help consumers by defining the phrase “farmers market” or by certifying markets. Nevertheless, the traveler will still have to look closely to find the farmer at some markets. What’s the situation? Say you… Read more »
What About That Food Safety Bill: Do I have to make changes on my farm this season?
No, it will be at least one year, and perhaps more than two, before new regulations come down the pike. In the meantime, stay tuned because the process of drafting regulations is an important one that should involve farmers and local food folks. What’s the situation? Last fall, Congress passed landmark legislation, the Food Safety… Read more »
So, Can I Make Yogurt in My Restaurant or Not?
What’s the situation? A chef decides he should start to use more local products, so he starts buying so pasturized milk from a local dairy farmer and making homemade yogurt. A few months later, the restaurant inspector makes a visit and issues a citation for the yogurt making. The chef gives his chef friends a… Read more »
