Farmers and agricultural educators require a solid understanding of the law to understand producers’ rights and responsibilities while managing risks. Farm Commons, a nonprofit based in Minnesota, helps producers build resilient agricultural businesses by training both them and educators in sustainable farm law. With the support of Professional Development Program (PDP) grants from SARE, Farm Commons has expanded legal education initiatives across the United States, helping agricultural communities gain access to critical knowledge.
Rachel Armstrong, executive director and founder of Farm Commons, has developed a training model that empowers agricultural educators to guide farmers through legal challenges common in their region. Armstrong’s project, piloted in SARE’s North Central region, laid the foundation for nationwide training adapted to the unique conditions in different agricultural landscapes, from the urbanized Northeast to the geographically varied Western region.
This initiative also improved the legal support capacity of Farm Service Agency staff, Extension educators and nonprofit farm advocates through in-person workshops and online modules. Within months, most participants reported increased confidence in assisting farmers with legal concerns, leading to adoption of best practices in risk management.
This research increased economic and social sustainability among producers by enhancing their legal awareness and preparedness. The organization continues to refine its training models, ensuring agricultural communities are equipped to navigate legal challenges effectively.
“Agricultural educators also serve a really powerful role in helping to spot issues, identify what issues are really important, which are right for education, and which demand an attorney ASAP to help recognize what the farmer is trying to do and support them,” says Armstrong. “We are seeing our agricultural professionals be better able to spot legal issues and help route that farmer to a solution, particularly in the area of employment law.”
Visit https://www.sare.org//sare-impacts-ENC18-164 for more information on this project's impact.
Sustainable Farm Law 101 for Agriculture Professionals and Educators is part of a series produced by Insight for Action as part of a post-project evaluation of SARE's regional grant programs. For more information visit https://www.sare.org/sare-impacts.
For information on grants and resources available from SARE, visit www.sare.org.