One of the wonderful aspects of the state of North Carolina is its agriculture. North Carolina’s agricultural industry includes food, fiber and forestry. The agriculture in North Carolina is not only diverse, but produces more tobacco and sweet potatoes than any other state.

With so many farmers growing and supplying products to the state, there are numerous legal issues they tend to face throughout the process. For the next couple of weeks, the Legal Corner will address some of the legal issues North Carolina farmers may face while in business.

In North Carolina, farmers produce field crops, livestock, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables. With so many commodities flowing through the state, there have been rules and regulations created in order to protect not only the consumers, but also the farmers in some cases. Additionally, there are various legal issues that tend to arise for farmers within their businesses and personally outside of farming.

Some of the issues farmers tend to face are bankruptcy for farmers, agricultural contracts, buying, selling, or gifting farm or forest land, estate and business inheritance planning for family farms, food law and crop and livestock insurance claims. Furthermore, some farmers may want to know how to obtain government approval for organic and natural foods certification, how to comply with environmental regulations for the disposal of toxic chemicals and pesticides and the latest developments in the Food Safety Modernization Act.

It is so important for farmers to make sure they stay abreast of changing laws and regulations within the farming industry. There have been quite a few changes to North Carolina tax laws that specifically affect farmers selling at various farmers’ markets and in cases when farmers convert or change the form of their business.

More importantly, farmers need to set up a plan that will protect their family businesses and preserve their interest for generations.

Moreover, farmers should have knowledge of any city and town zoning requirements for their farms, stores and produce stands. There are also rules for where farmers are able to place signage on their property in order to direct customers to their farm.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will address all the previously stated issues and few more.

Please remember that this information is only meant to inform our readers. This article does not include all of the detailed information and regulations related to North Carolina farming. If you have any additional questions about your farmland, your farming business or how to preserve your farmland or business for your family, please consult an attorney.

As always: Be informed. Be prepared.

Bellonora McCallum is an attorney at the McCallum Law Firm, PLLC, in Rockingham. Reach her at 910-730-4064 or visit www.mccallumlawfirm.com.

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Bellonora McCallum

Legal Corner