Regulations & Legal

Federal:

Food Safety Modernization Act--does it apply to your farm? Find out here.

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Marketing Poultry Slaughtered Under USDA Exemption fact sheet

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USDA inspection questions for small processors: Contact the FSIS Small Plant Help Desk by phone (and get a live person) or contact form.

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State:

PA Agritourism Law and considerations.

 

Animal Humane Laws for Farmers webinar slides

 

Custom processing: Rabbit & Poultry Slaughter & Processing regs

 

Egg & Small Producer Poultry regs

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Food for Profit--working with PDA for food establishments (Penn State Extension article covering what types of farm food businesses need which licenses

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Livestock Mortality in PA

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Manure happens: If you produce or spread manure, you need a Manure Management Plan. Most landowners can complete  MMPs themselves, but if you need assistance, contact your county Conservation District. Manure management plan workbook

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Nurseries/selling plants: Licensing ($40 annually; state may inspect)

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Selling Freezer Beef from Penn State Extension

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Why Aren't All Meat Processors the Same in Pennsylvania?

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Municipal: Your township may have ordinances regarding agricultural zoning, backyard poultry, set-backs, etc. If you have a local health department you may need to comply with local food safety/sales regulations. Ignorance of the regulations is not a defense. 

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​Legal:

Penn State Law Entrepreneur Assistance offers free help with things such as setting up a LLC, and offers legal advice. Learn about their free services here.   Request assistance.

Legal brief from PA Veteran Farming Conference 2023 by Robert Davidson, Esq.

Right to Farm act

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Taxes:

AgFTAP.org portal:  resources for farmers & ranchers, educators to understand and navigate the farm business tax and asset protection business decisions for their operations

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Find Schedule F webinar and learn which conservation program funding is taxed here.

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IRS Farmers Tax Guide

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FarmTransition/Succession resources