An official website of the United States government.
Small farms face many common legal issues. In addition to taxes, land access, and insurance coverage, farm owners must consider family law issues, labor laws, and estate and succession planning to ensure the future of their farm and investment. This page outlines those issues and offers resources for assistance and support.
Starting a farm
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) assigns farm numbers that USDA uses to identify where a farm is located (like a zip code, but for your specific farm). A farm number can help a farmer get funding for the farm and take part in other FSA and USDA programs. To register for a farm number, visit your local FSA office with the appropriate documents.
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How to Start a Farm: Plan Your Operation [farmers.gov]
Creating a solid business plan is the first step in building a successful farm. This makes running the business, planning and paying taxes, applying for credit and assistance, and estate planning more manageable.
Tools for selecting an appropriate business entity:
Farmland Access Legal Toolkit
Land access and farm transfer are two of the most important issues farmers face. The Farmland Access Legal Toolkit's (FALT) goal is to provide useful resources for farmers who need land to farm, and for farmers who want to transition their land as a part of their estate planning or for other reasons. FALT is designed to prepare farmers for conversations with their attorney about their individual situation and includes a Farm Lease Builder tool.
Issues in Family Law
Family law affects all families, including those involved in food and agriculture. Farm owners can face unique issues and must give special consideration to legal matters like death or divorce.
Taxes & Other Considerations
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Guide to Reorganizing a Farm Business [vermontlaw.edu] [PDF, 8 pages]
The Center for Food Agriculture and Food Systems' brief guide addresses farm reorganization through chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Marital Planning & Divorce
