The Center for Agriculture and Food Systems works with partners across the country to create law and policy guides for food system stakeholders. Browse the list of standalone guides below, and visit our projects page to learn more about ongoing projects that encompass a wider range of resources.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE LAW AND POLICY RESEARCH GUIDE
March 2022
Compiled by Environmental Law Librarian Christine Ryan, this research guide includes free, open-access resources related to food and agricultural law and policy. Attorneys, farmers, extension professionals, and anyone conducting food and agriculture research—in addition to law students—can use the guide to find helpful resources. View the guide »
A WORKING GUIDE TO CURRENT USE TAXATION FOR AGRICULTURAL LANDS
November 2021
Current use programs—which allow farmers to pay taxes on their land at agricultural value rather than the assessed value for another non-farming use—are an important tool in the farmland preservation toolbox. This guide provides an overview of current use policies across the U.S. and identifies opportunities to improve them. Read more »
Reorganizing a Farm Business with Chapter 12 of the Bankruptcy Code: A Brief Guide
October 2021
Can bankruptcy sometimes be a helpful tool to save a farm? This guide covers Chapter 12 of the bankruptcy code, a little-known strategy to transform farming operations. Read more »
Understanding FSMA's Preventive Controls Rule: A Guide for Grain Businesses
August 2021
Do you grow, harvest, store, or process food-grade grain or grain products? This resource may help you determine if you need to comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act’s Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule. Read more »
A Breed Apart: The Plant Breeder’s Guide to Preventing Patents through Defensive Publication
October 2019
“Defensive publication” keeps genetic resources available without use restrictions or liability for infringement, and for a fraction of the cost of pursuing a patent. For plant breeders, the process can make genetic material more widely available for research. Ultimately, this could also make seeds more affordable and accessible for farmers. This guide outlines practices for breeders to keep genetic resources in the public domain. Read more »
Farm Animal Welfare Certification Guide
October 2019
The Farm Animal Welfare Certification Guide helps farmers and business owners adopt and communicate higher animal welfare standards. Read more »