Agriculture Law Hanford, CA
The agricultural community of the Central Valley has seen a lot of change recently, with growth and legislation leading many farmers to turn to firms that practice agriculture law in Hanford, CA, for information, support, and advocacy. At Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, we are familiar with and prepared to take on the challenges of local farmers.
Our firm holds 200 years of combined experience, allowing us to provide legal support as a full-service firm. We may start as your agriculture lawyer, but once you become part of the family, we love to continue supporting you with any other legal needs you may have.
What is Covered in Agriculture Law
Agriculture is widely accepted as the practice of cultivating soil, growing and harvesting crops, or raising livestock. In many cases, agriculture is also considered the preparation of related products before distribution for sale. Aquaculture may also work with an agriculture lawyer because they have similar needs and regulations.
Agriculture law can seem like business litigation, marketing, licensing, employment law, and environmental law rolled into one. Farming and ranching often face different rules than other businesses, requiring a lawyer familiar with the fundamentals of these legal areas and how local agricultural laws affect these processes.
Employment and Labor Laws in Agriculture
We can advise on wage and hour law issues to maintain compliance with these laws.
You may face allegations of violating the Agricultural Labor Relations Act (ALRA). In that case, we may provide counsel or representation in interactions with the Agriculture Labor Relations Board
Our team is experienced in agriculture and employment law and is able to provide guidance on how to legally navigate employment law as it applies to the unique needs of the industry.
Farming Rights
Farming rights have been a point of contention in areas facing urban sprawl and significant population growth. California’s Right to Farm bill is a critical tool in protecting farmers from nuisance lawsuits as local areas grow. Farms qualify for these protections as long as they have been operational for at least three years, according to California Civil Code 3482.5. This statute offers protection from practices such as animal or manure odor, animal sounds, and other aspects of regular operations.
Water Rights
Water rights can be critical to your agriculture business’s smooth and consistent operation.
In response to environmental and conservation efforts, some productions are facing new restrictions on their water rights, forcing them to reduce their crop volume. Some have expressed concerns that this diversion of water rights infringes on protections of their private property.
If you are trying to gain water rights or have concerns about restrictions, our Agriculture law attorneys can walk you through any stage of this process to help you understand what to expect and your options moving forward.
Environmental Compliance
Environmental protection and sustainability are critical to legally operating a farm. California, Kings County, and the City of Hanford take environmental protection and sustainability efforts seriously, and facing allegations of violating these laws can cause considerable strain. Considerations for this may include ensuring appropriate water management, preventing land contamination with pesticides and fertilizers, and proactive measures to prevent soil degradation. Failure to comply with environmental regulations can mean significant fines, and you may be best represented by an attorney.
Conservation Limitations
Most of us would agree that we want to do what we can to protect wildlife and avoid undue damage to their environments and families. However, the increasing restrictions imposed by the California government and conservation groups can make compliance tricky at best and unclear at worst. Mistakes in conservation can have serious repercussions, whether they were intentional or born of ignorance.
How an Agriculture Attorney Can Help
Managing a farm includes countless legal vulnerabilities, and an agriculture attorney can help minimize your risk and proactively protect yourself, your business, and your land. Some of the tasks you may utilize our services for include:
- Navigating complicated land use and zoning laws
- Proactively planning for legislation or regulation changes
- Advise on contracts and agreements relating to agriculture
- Draft, negotiate, or formalize contracts
- Negotiate commercial leases for equipment
- Succession plans to continue the legacy with the next generation
- Advise on policies and procedures to minimize personal injury liability
Working with a lawyer who is experienced in agriculture law can help you avoid some of the common legal pitfalls. When you choose an agriculture attorney from Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP, you receive a wealth of experience and knowledge from a firm that has already committed decades to the well-being and success of your community.
We Understand the Challenges the Local Agricultural Industry is Facing
As residents of Hanford and the San Joaquin Valley area, we are also experiencing the impact of the constantly changing developmental landscape. In addition to agriculture, our team focuses on land use and development and zoning for oil, water, and gas. We have experience collaborating with agricultural co-ops, municipal and special utility districts, water management districts, and river authorities.
The influx of development in the San Joaquin Valley has contributed to significant issues with water management. Consistent groundwater over-extraction has led to instability and land subsidence, putting farmland and developments in surrounding areas at significant risk of damage and destruction. The agriculture industry is a staple of our local economy, and we are committed to helping the community stay afloat by facilitating development that adheres to environmental and agricultural standards.
Navigating Environmental Regulations in the Agriculture Industry
Maintaining the environmental standards set by California’s pursuit of sustainability can put pressure on farms to stay ahead of the curve with renovations or new technology that may require you to work with municipal bodies. Navigating the bureaucracy and red tape to obtain permits or approvals for certain kinds of additions or renovations can be a full-time job. When you work with our team, we will provide clarity on expectations and requirements to help make the process as easy as possible. By investing in legal support early, you can take steps to protect yourself from expensive fines and lawsuits down the road.
Legislation Affecting Local Agriculture
Legislation changes happen constantly, and many of these changes can affect how agribusinesses and farms operate. We can help farm owners navigate some of the most impactful and current legislation. By staying aware of recent and upcoming changes, you can reduce the risk of fines and sanctions that may hinder or stop your production.
Many of the laws regulating agriculture are geared toward larger or commercial farms, making it harder for smaller, family-run producers to succeed. Our goal is to support our clients in navigating these laws and regulations, helping them succeed and fighting for their rights as integral members of our community..
Prop 12
Proposition 12 passed in 2018 and came into full effect in 2024 following some dissent and a Supreme Court ruling in its favor in May of 2023. This legislation places minimum requirements for many livestock breeds on farms meeting specific criteria. This focus on animal welfare was the source of uncertainty and anxiety for many involved in local agriculture.
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act
The California State Water Resources Control Board enforces the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, which was established to control California’s water pollution. This law requires management plans to control water pollution, a problem to which agriculture may contribute. Violations of the Act may result in significant fines and sanctions.
The Williamson Act
Also known as the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, the Williamson Act allows local governments to contract with landowners to restrict specific plots of land for agricultural or open space use. In exchange for this reservation, the Williamson Act allows property owners to obtain reduced tax assessments because they are based on farming use and not market value.
When You Do Not Have a Hanford Agriculture Lawyer
Many producers are just trying to get by and keep their heads above water in the face of tighter constraints and more expectations. This can, understandably, make owners and operators weary of the added expense of an attorney to help them draft or review documents and navigate the red tape of processes that keep them running. However, the cost of being proactive often pales compared to what happens if you make a mistake.
California farm owners face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines every year for mistakes such as failing to identify protected wetlands in the middle of their fields, failing to meet the program requirements of immigration laws, or struggling with mineral concentrations in soil and water.
Some mistakes can be attributed to exploitation, as it is often shown in the news, but the majority of Central Valley farmers are honest people trying to get by. You may have missed a requirement because you referenced an outdated copy of requirements that seem to change every six months. Or maybe your production has more emissions because you are trying to work with old machinery and are unable to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars into something that can more easily keep up with regulation.
Regardless of your reasons, working with an attorney may help prevent or mitigate these potentially devastating situations.
Lawsuits
Fines for compliance issues can seemingly come from nowhere despite your best efforts, and lawsuits can be the same way. Farms are vulnerable to lawsuits of all kinds, whether due to allegations of E. coli contamination, employee injury, or marketing practices.
An agriculture lawyer may be able to provide support and assistance if you encounter trouble like this. However, we are often better prepared to help you navigate the situation when we have an already established relationship and understanding of how you run your business.
Our Griswold LaSalle Cobb Dowd & Gin LLP Agriculture Attorneys are Ready to Support You Today
Agriculture is a crucial industry for supporting American society, and the current geographic, social, and political climate often adds to the challenges it already faces. Developers want to utilize otherwise unused land, putting them at odds with local producers and regulations. We want to help our farmers thrive.
When you are legally protected and able to focus on the day-to-day functions of your business, our community becomes stronger. Call our agriculture attorneys in Hanford, CA, today to protect your land and livelihood and get the support you need. You can schedule a meeting with us online, or by calling 559-702-0808.