Grant opportunities for farmers and small producers are in abundance, and people willing to help you receive those funds stand ready to help. We know that many of our members strive to operate without any government involvement. Yet for those who could benefit from receiving grants, we have compiled…
Agritourism Law Primer
Like any other business, farm survival is best achieved by those who remain nimble and can adjust their business plans to accommodate the needs and desires of their customer base while generating more income for themselves. Agritourism is an excellent option to reach those goals and, fortunately, there are laws across the country that support…
A Cottage Food Business Primer
As a potential cottage food entrepreneur, you must do your homework and understand your state and local rules before proceeding; however, there are some general principles you can expect to confront as you prepare recipes, product lists, and business plans. We aim to cover the basics here to help prepare you for what to expect…
Introduction to the Updated Red Meat Map & Chart
In 1967 Congress passed the Wholesome Meat Act, Public Law 90-201, amending the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA). The act expanded the federal government’s authority over meat slaughter and processing to intrastate commerce but did create exemptions from the requirement that an inspector be present when slaughtering is taking place. The Wholesome Meat Act allowed the “uninspected” slaughter of meat animals at a custom facility as long as the owner…
Is Your Farm Covered by the FSMA Produce Rules?
This article focuses on the aspects of the FSMA most relevant to farms we assist. The FSMA standards were structured to roll out in phases and the largest businesses were the first required to meet deadlines by which they must adopt certain food safety practices, followed by the smaller players. We will focus here on small and very…