Resource Library
Browse 100+ resources on food systems law and policy.
Optimizing Food Distributor Contracts to Achieve Local Food Procurement Targets
Throughout the US, state and local governments have established local food purchasing targets for food served in public institutions like schools, hospitals, or prisons. This guide offers public sector procurement teams options and strategies to adjust their contracting processes with food distributors to support these policy aims.
Topic: Biodiversity, Business Practices Audience: Attorneys, Farmers, Technical Assistance ProvidersSeeds for Rent
This guide explains the fine print in technology use agreements—contracts that farmers sign with seed companies to purchase and use their seeds according to the contract terms. This guide also compares technology use agreements among the three largest seed companies in the US.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsTraining Market Managers to Develop Legacy Folders
This case study describes a two-year pilot program run by the Vermont Farmers Market Association (VTFMA) to help farmers markets create legacy folders to strengthen and support the longevity of the farmers market community.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsEmployment Classification for Farmers Market Managers
Should farmers market staff be classified as employees or independent contractors? This resource provides an overview of why classification matters for federal and state employment, tax, and insurance law, and how farmers market operators can ensure a fairer working environment.
Topic: Business Practices Audience: Attorneys, GrowersA Working Guide to Current Use Taxation for Agricultural Lands
This guide examines current use policies and programs as a tool for farmland preservation, identifies common challenges and opportunities of these programs, and provides recommendations for how programs could be adapted to better preserve farmland.
Topic: Business Practices Audience: Attorneys, GrowersReorganizing a Farm Business with Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code
This guide describes how reorganization through Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code is a tool for farmers looking to restructure debt, change production models, or transition their farm to the next generation.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsFRESHFARM Markets
This case study explores how proactive steps helped an organization implement a mask policy and comply with the Americans with Disability Act during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topic: Business Practices Audience: Farmworkers, GrowersEmployment Law FAQ for Vermont Farmers and Farm Workers Related to COVID-19
This guide provides clarification for Vermont farmers and farmworkers on some of the most pressing questions raised by the COVID-19 pandemic, including paid sick leave, sick leave exemptions for small businesses, and unemployment insurance and compensation.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsCapital City Farmers Market
This case study explores how incorporation and insurance can shield against a trip and fall lawsuit.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsDurham Farmers Market
This case study explores how carefully crafted market rules supported a market's development.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsCresent City Farmers Market
This case study explores how a market currency system enabled one market to accept SNAP benefits and credit card payments.
Topic: Business Practices, Farmers Markets Audience: Farmers MarketsWebb City Farmers Market
This case study explores how business structures and market governance decisions built a stronger market.