The business relationships that family farmers may at one time have sealed with a handshake are today almost entirely governed by contracts. Contracts, whether oral or written, may be legally binding. They have a tremendous impact upon the rights and responsibilities of family farmers—and upon the bottom line. Below are links to educational materials that FLAG has written in order to help farmers understand their contracts—whether they be contracts to grow chickens owned by a vertically integrated company, or contracts to direct market fruits and vegetables, or contracts to plant seeds that have been patented by the manufacturer.

Marketing Contracts | Poultry & Livestock Production Contracts | Seed Contracts | Resources

Marketing Contracts

Understanding Farmers' Rights to be Paid for Fruit and Vegetable Crops (Sept. 2007)

Federal Law Protects Farmers' Rights to be Paid for Fruit and Vegetable Contracts (Sept. 2007)

Understanding Farmers' Market Rules by Jess Anna Speier and Jill E. Krueger (August 2006)

Kom Totaub Khw Muag Zaub Cov Cai Tswj Sau taum Jess Anna Speier thiab Jill E. Krueger (August 2006) Translation by Words Wanted, 2007

Before You Sign on the Dotted Line. . .Questions for Farmers to Ask Before Entering Into a Direct Marketing Agreement by Jill E. Krueger (October 2005)

Poultry & Livestock Production Contracts

Contract Poultry Growers Have Rights under Federal Law by Susan E. Stokes and Jill Krueger (revised 8/26/05) formerly "Contract Poultry Growers' Have Rights Under the Packers & Stockyards Act"

Cov Tswm Cuab Tus Qaib Mauj Cai Nyob Rua Hauv Tseem Fwv Txoj Cai by Susan E. Stokes and Jill Krueger (8/26/05) Translation by YeeLeng Hang, 2006

Grower Educational Materials (2001)

"What’s My Contract Got to Do With It?"
"Promises, Promises— How Much Money Will You Really Make?"
"Who Is #1 and Do We Really Need the Ranking System Anyway?"
"Who Decides on the Proper Equipment? Mandatory Improvements for Poultry Operations"
"How Much Did Your Birds Really Weigh?"
"How Much Did Your Feed Really Weigh?"
"I’ll See You in Court—Or Will I?"

Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Poultry Contract (a collaborative project of RAFI-USA and FLAG, 2005)

Cov Lus Nug Au Ntej Yuav Tis Npe Rau Ib Daim Ntawv Cog Lus Tu Qaib (Lub Koom Haum Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA; Lub Koom Haum Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc.)

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Assessing the Impact of Integrator Practices on Contract Poultry Growers (December 2001)
This report includes an analysis of a survey of broiler growers conducted in 1999, an analysis of the legal implications of provisions in 18 growout contracts, and an analysis of current state and federal laws affecting growout arrangements with recommendations for change.

The project was a collaborative effort of FLAG, Dr. Lee Schrader of Purdue University, Dr. John Wilson of Duke University, the National Contract Poultry Growers Association, Professor Neil Hamilton of Drake University Law School, and Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA.

Call for a free copy, or download it here.

Download the Complete Report (2.5 MB) Or download it in five smaller files (if you have trouble downloading any of these files, contact FLAG):

Chapter 1 (1.6 MB), Introduction (includes cover and title page)
Chapter 2 (1.9 MB), Broiler Grower Survey Report
Chapter 3 (134 KB), A Current Broiler Contract Analysis Addressing Legal Issues and Grower Concerns
Chapter 4 (331 KB), Contract Broiler Production: The Legal Context and Recommendations
Chapter 4, Appendix A (121 KB), Model Producer Protection Act
Chapter 4, Appendix B: Grower Education Materials (119 KB)

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Your Poultry Contract is Cut Off Due to Plant Closing: What Should You Do?, A new educational sheet by RAFI-USA and FLAG on questions to ask when your poultry contract is terminated due to a plant closing. (July 2003)

Livestock Production Contracts: Risks for Family Farmers (March 2003)

Contract Poultry Growers Articles Packet (1991-1994)

"Contract Farming Breeds Big Problems for Growers"
"Which Flock Can Beat the Fox?" Evaluating Poultry Growers' Legal Claims

Seed Contracts

Farmers' Guide to GMOs
(November 2004)

The commercial production of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, has created a legal minefield for American farmers and requires that farmers be particularly sure footed, says Farmers' Guide to GMOs, just released by the Farmers' Legal Action Group (FLAG) and Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA).

Download the Complete Book (363 KB)
Order a bond copy at through an online publisher for $10 per book.

Resources

"Resources for Hmong Farmers" This is a list of contacts for Hmong farmers in Minnesota seeking assistance in a variety of areas.

"Kev Pab Cov Neeg Hmoob Ua Liaj Ua Teb"

"Terms Used in Minnesota Farm Law" This list of terms is intended to serve as a resource for farmers seeking to understand their legal rights and responsibilities.