This document outlines common types of contracts used in community agriculture projects, farmers markets, and farms. It describes "good faith agreements" designed to establish problem resolution strategies between farms and communities. It also lists 14 common provisions that farmers market rules and regulations address, such as vendor application processes and food safety. Additionally, it explains that Community Supported Agriculture membership contracts often function as introductions to farms and binding legal agreements, covering elements like share costs and distribution arrangements. Finally, it lists common agricultural contracts such as production contracts, farm leases, equipment leases, and insurance.

1. Common Contracts
Community Agreements: Reversing NIMBYism
(for example of an urban ag project that could have benefitted from this, see:
http://www.networx.com/article/gowanus-residents-protesting-community-g
• “Good Faith Agreement”
o Purpose: All parties execute this good faith agreement, which is effective
immediately. This agreement has been developed through discussion with the
community since 2011 and is intended to serve as a living document that <Name
of the farm> and the community mutually agree to revisit and amend as necessary.
o Clauses:
§ Parties’ Promises
§ Problem Resolution Strategy (e.g. mediation terms, when legal action will
be taken)
§ Process for reviewing and revising the agreement
Common Farmers Market Rules and Regulations
• Definitions Matter (What’s a farmers market? Who’s a vendor? What can be sold? What
constitutes a stall?)
• 14 common provisions: organizer/sponsor; market manager; market rules; 3rd party
carrying rules; application process and fees; criteria for selecting vendors; vendor rights;
length of market; market organization membership; required documents and permits; rule
and law compliance; enforcement procedures; hold harmless and indemnification; food
safety and sampling. * Vender Rules and Indemnity Agreement
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership Contracts
• Often function as both an introduction to the farm’s philosophy and/or methods, and a
binding contract
• Common provisions: share allocation process; nonrefundable cost of shares (full, ½, ¼);
share size explanation; distribution or pick-up arrangements; communication policy;
workshare and volunteer policy
Common Agricultural Contracts
• Production contracts (sales; personal service; bailment)
• Farm Leases (cash-rent; crop-share; hybrid)
• Lease-to-Own contracts for equipment
• Insurance (an ABSOLUTE must)