Agritourism:
Agritourism involves people visiting an agricultural operation for recreational purposes. Learn about the different opportunities available to Maryland farmers and legal issues that should be considered when starting an agritourism business.
- Opening a Distillery: Legal Details That Producers Need to Know by Mayhah Suri. August 2016.
- Microbreweries and the New Class 8 Farm Brewery License by Mayhah Suri. April 2015.
- Generic Waiver of Liability Form by Ashley Ellixson and Kathleen Tabor. October 2014.
Agricultural Liability:
Agricultural liability is the responsibility Maryland farmers have under the law. These readings discuss a range of laws including, fencing, livestock, and the right to farm.
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
Alternative Dispute Resolution ( ADR) refers to methods for settling disputes outside of the courtroom. ADR can include negotiation, mediation, and arbitration.
- Ensuring the Continued Viability of Rural Communities: Using Mediation to Settle Disputes by Mason Grahame and Paul Goeringer, Department of Ag and Res. Econ. AREC Fact Sheet, August 2017.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA):
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is an agreement between a member of the community and a producer to receive or give portions of a harvest. Information provided includes risk management, how to create a contract, and important aspects of the agreement.
Read More about CSA here.
Contracts
Contract law is an important part of agriculture law and impacts the lives of agricultural operators daily.
- Hemp Production Contract Checklist by Ryan Smith, Paul Goeringer, and Eliza Thomas. May 2021.
Debt/Bankruptcy Issues:
Debt can be a positive thing but can become an issue at some point. Publications here will cover issues associated with debt and bankruptcy.
- Debt Collection by Julie Walker, Research Assistant. April 2020.
- A Practical Guide to Chapter 12 Bankruptcy for Maryland Farmers and Fishermen by Julie Waker, Mayhah Suri, and Paul Goeringer. July 2020.
Direct Marketing
- Legal Guide to Direct Farm Marketing for Maryland Specialty Crop Growers by Sarah Everhart and Megan Todd. November 2020.
- Agritourism Zoning Matrix by Samantha Fairbanks & Margaret Todd
Environment and Natural Resources:
Since farmers’ livelihoods are tied to the land and other natural resources, the laws designed to protect the environment can have ramifications for farm businesses.
- Model Water Quality Trading Agreement , by Sarah Everhart, Harry Huntley, and Elizabeth Johnson, FS-1150, November 2020.
- Reporting Continuous Release Emissions by Paul Goeringer, Jon Moyle, Jennifer Rhodes, and Kelly Nuckolls Winslow. Department of Ag and Res. Econ. February 2018.
- Agricultural Water Law in Maryland: The Water Appropriation Application Process and Use in a Time of Drought by Ashley Ellixson and Sarah Everhart. August 2016.
- When Can the Government Enter Your Farm? by Sarah Everhart, February 2015.
- State Review of Environmental Impacts Could Result in Mineral Leasing Opportunities in Maryland by Paul Goeringer and Lori Lynch. Department of Ag and Res. Econ.UME EB-418, May 2014.
For more publications on this subject, please visit our Environment page.
Farm Data:
Farm data has been a contentious point of debate with respect to ownership rights and impacts when access rights are misappropriated. One of the leading questions farmers ask deals with the protections provided to farm data. These readings cover variety of issues as it relates to the legal issues of farm data.
- Farm Data- Ownership and Protections by Ashley C. Ellixson and Dr. Terry Griffin. Department of Ag and Res. Econ. UME FS-1055, May 2016.
Farm Labor:
Farm labor includes fulltime and seasonal workers, and interns. Information provided discusses the laws and regulations associated with these employees. Farm leasing information about leasing protocol in Maryland and the documents necessary. ALEI provides education and resources to Maryland farmers on food safety liability, Maryland Good Agricultural and Handling Practices, Produce Recalls, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Farm Leasing:
Food Safety:
For more resources on this subject, please visit our Food Safety page.
Farm Succession Planning:
Farm Succession planning refers to how a farm owner can transfer assets and responsibilities in different situations, including the death of relatives, changes in family structure, or handing off the farm to a new generation. Topics include estate planning and succession planning and the legal requirements in different planning situations.
Legal Needs and Resources:
Legal needs and resources include readings about the needs of the Maryland Agriculture Community and a directory of legal services. Neighbor relations includes information about how both farmers and neighbors can communicate with each other. Zoning and planning is something many in the state need to be aware of when considering new uses on a property. These readings will cover potential zoning and planning issues.
Neighbor Relations:
Zoning and Planning:
