A legal workshop for farmers where you won't hear the phrase "Well, I'm not a lawyer, so I can't really answer that..." The Community Food and Agriculture Coalition is partnering with Farm Commons to host Sustainable Farm Law 101 at the University of Montana in Missoula. This two-day workshop on March 10-11 is geared toward direct-market farmers. The 16 hours of information and advice from a licensed attorney will include:

Day 1:
Farm Business Creation and Succession: Starting an operation from scratch and successful succession strategy for retirement, tax issues, labor contributions and more

Leasing: From settling on a rate to discussing water access and permitted uses, we'll cover the essentials of a solid lease, plus tips on how to negotiate with your neighbors

Purchasing Land: Mortgages, seller-financing and land contracts are popular but the strength of these options depends on the details hidden in the paperwork- learn to spot them

Day 2:
Business organization: How to select and form a business entity that encourages optimal management of your farm operation, whether starting a new business or transferring an existing one

Workers: How to address priority employment law issues, including workers' compensation, minimum wage rules, volunteers, and internship programs.

Insurance and Liability: Insurance for injuries can get you back on your feet if you have the right policy- we'll cover those and crop insurance options for a variety of farms


The workshop will be co-facilitated by attorney Rachel Armstrong and Montana farmers. Rachel is the founder of Farm Commons, a non-profit that develops legal resources specifically for farmers. User-friendly legal education will be integrated with practical, on the ground experience, including input from participants. Full registration is only $70 or $40 for a single day with a limited number of seats available. Light breakfast and lunch are included both days.

For more information and to register, visit the events page at www.farmlinkmontana.org or contact Dave Renn at dave@farmlinkmontana.org or 541-829-3757