Farm employment law is a vast and complex subject. This guide introduces farmers to the framework guiding six areas of regulation often encountered by sustainable farmers. However, it leaves many subjects untouched that are just as important. For example, this resource does not discuss recordkeeping obligations, discrimination issues, payroll taxes, authorization to work in the United States, worker housing, safety regulations, and so much more. These issues are still important. Farm Commons continues to generate more resources to guide farmers, and we encourage folks to check our website for new materials on these and other legal subjects.

Managing employee regulations is often a farmer’s least favorite part of the job. This guide isn’t meant to beleaguer the already burdened farmer with more paperwork. Instead, we aim to inspire farmers toward ways their lives might be easier through compliance with the law. Often, the rule holds some kernel of wisdom about fair treatment of workers. Finding that kernel can help a farmer attract and retain the workers that make the farm flourish.