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Your small farm checklist, item by item
Q: What do I need to get a small farm up and running legally?
A: This is the list that goes with a small farm. It is the paperwork a business like yours commonly meets, and we sort out which pieces are yours. It also lists the personal license or trade license of the person doing the work, because a business license alone does not cover that.
1. Business license: A business license for a small farm MAY ask what you grow or raise, whether produce is sold from a stand, at markets or to restaurants, and how many acres are in use.
2. Home occupation permit: A home occupation permit MAY apply when a farm stand or produce packing happens at your residence, usually limiting customer visits, roadside signs, deliveries and farm vehicles parked near neighbors.
3. Sales tax permit: A sales tax permit MAY be needed because many farm products are taxable at the stand or market, although some raw produce is exempt, and wholesale buyers may ask for resale certificates.
4. Professional or trade license: Private pesticide applicator certificate: The grower applying restricted crop chemicals may need a personal applicator certification earned through training and an examination.
5. Farmers market vendor permit: Selling at markets MAY require a vendor permit for each season.
6. Produce safety registration: Growers selling fresh produce MAY need a registration confirming safe washing and handling.
7. Water source statement: A short note on where irrigation and washing water come from may be requested.
8. Pesticide application record: A log of any sprays or treatments used on crops may be asked for.
9. Employer registration: Once people are on the payroll, you MAY also need an employer ID, a withholding account and workers' compensation coverage.
10. Company papers: Name registration, LLC formation and a tax ID number are the three companions most owners add; we prepare each of them on this site.
One service fee covers more than one license. If you order a business license and it turns out you also need another one, for example a home occupation permit, we obtain both for the service fee of the business license. Annual tax and application fees charged by the govt are not part of our service fee: we find the applications and fill them out for you.
Why it is worth the paperwork
Warm tomatoes in the sun, the earthy smell of fresh soil and the crunch of a carrot pulled that morning give farm work a joy that markets can feel.
Opening day, imagined
Picture Hildegard setting a crate of heirloom tomatoes on a rough plank stand at Little Acorn Farm, the license laminated and tied to the scale.
What can go wrong
A tractor accident damages a neighbor's fence and the owner demands full repair, a risk best held within a company.
Codes and counts
Business code (NAICS): 111998 (All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming). This page lists 10 paperwork items for a small farm, and each one is marked as something you MAY need, since we confirm which apply.
Tip: Wash and pack produce on clean tables and keep a handwashing station at your stand.
The rooster doubles as the alarm clock and as quality control.
Ready when you are: start your order and we will find out what applies to your small farm, fill out the applications and keep the paperwork moving. |