ABSTRACT

This introductory textbook provides an overview of the concepts necessary for an understanding of agricultural and agribusiness law. The text will help students of land-based industries with little or no legal background to appreciate and identify issues which may require referral or consultation with legal counsel.

Each concise chapter addresses a different legal issue that those employed in agriculture and agribusiness may face, and both federal law and representative examples of state law are included. In addition to traditional topics such as contracts, property law and estate planning, the book also covers more contemporary issues such as organic certification, animal law, genetically engineered crops and food safety. 

Agricultural law extends beyond those directly engaged in farming to those in agribusiness who provide services and inputs to farmers, buy farmers’ products, store or transport products, manufacture food products, and serve as intermediaries between farmers and consumers. The book will therefore also serve as a reference and a guide for those employed in agribusiness as well as agriculture.

chapter 1|21 pages

Understanding the U.S. legal system

chapter 2|8 pages

Finding legal materials

chapter 3|14 pages

Torts

chapter 4|9 pages

Nuisance and trespass

chapter 5|21 pages

Real property

chapter 6|10 pages

Landlord–tenant law

chapter 7|12 pages

Personal property

chapter 8|17 pages

Contracts

chapter 9|9 pages

Contracts for the sale of goods

chapter 11|13 pages

Estate planning and farm transition

chapter 12|10 pages

Family law, health, and end-of-life care

chapter 13|11 pages

Water law

chapter 14|11 pages

Business entities

chapter 15|12 pages

Animal law

chapter 18|13 pages

Food safety

chapter 19|11 pages

Pesticide law

chapter 20|16 pages

Conservation and environmental law

chapter 21|13 pages

Labor

chapter 22|12 pages

Taxation

chapter 23|10 pages

International trade

chapter 24|10 pages

Federal farm program law