Diversification
Value-Adds
Farmers’ Legal Guide to Value-Added Products
Article + Download
52 min read
Legal Considerations: Direct-to-Consumer Farm Markets
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20 min read
On-Farm Events
Hosting Safe, Legally Secure Farm Events
Video
128 minutes
Farmers’ Legal Guide to On-Farm Events
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36 min read
Diversification Regulations
Communicating With Regulators Basics
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8 min read
Farmers’ Guide to Working With Regulators
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35 min read
Diversification Questions:
Is agritourism allowed on my ranch or farm?
Let’s check our zoning.
Before you jump into any agritourism venture, it is crucial that you make sure that the venture is allowed on your farm. Even if your farm is located in an area with a lot of agricultural activity, that doesn’t mean you can engage in activities that are not really farming (think: Goat yoga!). Check out our free Agritourism Legal Basics, which provides some quick guidance on zoning, and how to research what is allowed on your property.
What legal issues do I need to consider if I do agritourism/on-farm events?
If you are considering an agritourism venture, that’s great and very exciting! But, before you launch your farm pizza series or advertise for goat yoga, check out our free Agritourism Legal Basics, which provides you with some of the basic things you should consider, from a legal angle. The tip sheet provides quick but helpful information on zoning ordinances, employee wages and workers’ compensation requirements, tax reporting and accounting, liability for injuries at farm events, and sales tax and disability accommodation requirements.
What permits do I need to serve food on my farm or ranch?
Permits. I know. Not the fun side of farming. But, if you are having an on-farm event and serving food, you just might need one. If your starting point is, “What can I do without getting any additional permits or licenses?” we have a resource for you. Browse our tip sheet on no-permit-needed activities titled Value-Added and Agritourism Without a License Basics. Although the latter has information specific to Minnesota and Wisconsin, the framework is similar to what farmers in any state may find. You can also check out pages 11-12 of Farmers’ Legal Guide to On-Farm Events, which is the right resource for a thorough understanding of agritourism’s broader legal risks as well.
Can I do value-added production on my farm or ranch?
So you want to turn your cucumbers into pickles? Or press your apples into cider? What if you want to make hard cider? Hmmm. Before you start picking and pressing, it is best to check a few issues. Our free resource, Value-Added Product Legal Basics, provides a quick overview of zoning and what that may mean for your value-added venture. If your starting point is, “What can I do without getting any additional permits or licenses?” we have a resource for you. Learn about no-permit-needed activities in Value-Added and Agritourism Without a License Basics, which answers the question above. (Be forewarned, we didn’t need much space to answer it!) Although the latter tip sheet is specific to Minnesota and Wisconsin, it gives everyone a good idea of what to expect.
What legal issues do I need to consider if I add value to my products?
Jam, pickles, and dried herbs, oh my!
Venturing into value-added food products can help increase farm business profitability. However, it can also increase the number of rules and regulations you have to comply with. Check out our free resource, Value-added Product Legal Basics, for quick guidance on some of the most commonly asked questions about value-added considerations, from a legal lens. Because value-added good production is not farming (although it is related!), farmers and ranchers will want to research their zoning code to see what the code has to say about building a food processing facility or converting a barn into a kitchen on the farm. For guidance on (a) how to research your zoning code and (b) how to move forward concerning a zoning code challenge, read Strategies for Navigating Zoning Codes and Challenges.
If I diversify my farming operations, how will my tax obigations change?
Diversifying your farm operation can be a great move for farm profitability. However, as soon as you invite folks onto the farm for Harvest Day or sell jars of your homegrown pickles, things can also get a little complicated. One of these complications is taxes. Nobody likes taxes, and this isn’t meant to stress you out. We have a couple resources to make taxes for your diversified operation less painful. Check out our free resource, Diversification and Taxes Basics, for basic information. For more information, you can also check out pages 23-25 for tax information in Farmers’ Legal Guide to Value-Added Products.
Diversifying the farm can mean complying with additional regulations. How can I do this effectively?
Working with regulators is essential to farm diversification.
Diversifying your farm operation by adding farm pizza night or goat yoga can be a great move for your business, financially and otherwise. But, it can also mean the additional headache of having to deal with more regulations, and with those regulations come…You guessed it – regulators. Regulators help determine how local, state, and federal regulations apply to your farm specifically… whether you’re asking for permission or begging for forgiveness.