What Is Agriculture Law?

Agriculture law handles legal issues affecting the farming and ranching industries. An agricultural attorney gives legal advice on real estate, property law, and water rights. Individuals and businesses in the agricultural industry must comply with federal and state laws. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the primary federal regulatory agency that oversees the industry.

Ranchers, farmers, and agribusinesses all need legal services from agricultural lawyers. Anyone involved in food production may interact with agriculture and agricultural law. Ag law touches more areas than many would suspect.

This article discusses this area of law and when you may need an agricultural attorney.

What Does Agriculture Law Cover?

Agricultural law encompasses all areas of agricultural operations. It includes livestock and crop issues and safety concerns, but also:

• Land use and property leases
• Resource management and sustainability
• Water law and environmental protection
• Regulatory compliance

Agriculture in the United States is complex. That means this area of law interacts with environmental law, employment law, and even business law. When legal matters arise, a knowledgeable attorney is essential.

Ag Law: Terms To Know

• Agricultural Subsidies: Government payments that support farmers’ income, crop insurance, and production stability
• Clean Water Act: A federal law that establishes water pollution prevention programs and allows the government to fine water polluters
• Eminent Domain: The government’s power to take private land for public use, which can affect farmland
• GMO: A genetically modified organism is a plant or animal modified to make it resistant to viruses or environmental conditions. GMOs are a topic of considerable social debate.
• FDA: The Food and Drug Administration regulates agricultural businesses’ production and transport of food and monitors food-borne disease outbreaks.
• Pesticide Regulation – Federal and state rules governing the use, storage, and application of pesticides
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): The model code for the sale of movable goods. Under Article 2 of the UCC, livestock and crops are “movable goods.”

Who Should Hire an Agriculture Law Attorney?

The same state and federal laws affect small family farms and international agribusinesses. Zoning laws and water rights issues affect everyone, not just the farmer or rancher beside the river. All users must follow the ban when the FDA bans pesticides for health reasons.

Violating government regulations can lead to stiff fines and even the closure of a facility. Legal counsel is essential to avoid violations and for appeals of citations if they occur.

Today’s agricultural business is more than a farm. Small farms and ranches develop new seed stocks, equipment, and breeding practices every year.

Intellectual property law, including patent and copyright filings, is now part of every business. Businesses need legal resources as much as any IT company.

In the farming or ranching business, you should have an agricultural lawyer protecting your rights. Contact one when you have legal issues and discuss your options.

How To Find an Agricultural Law Attorney

Because state law is relevant, your lawyer should be licensed in your state. FindLaw’s directory of agriculture lawyers can get you started. Enter your city or zipcode for a list of qualified legal advisors near you. Your search results will also show contact and ratings information.

Related Practice Areas and Resources

• Land Use and Zoning
• Environmental Law
• Business and Commercial Law
• Administrative Law
• Product Liability Law
• Patents
• Government Contracts Law
• Right To Farm Laws and Your Neighbors