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Announcements

NCR-SARE Funds Over 110 Midwestern Projects

The North Central Region-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Program has announced the projects funded through its annual grant programs. More than 110 projects examining sustainable agriculture in the Midwest were awarded in excess of $2.7 million through NCR-SARE’s competitive grant programs.

For the 2012 Farmer Rancher Grant Program, NCR-SARE awarded more than $545,000 to 53 projects ranging from $1,264 to $22,500. The Farmer Rancher Grant Program is a grants program for farmers and ranchers who want to explore sustainable solutions to problems through on-farm research, demonstration and education projects.

For the 2012 Research and Education Grant Program, NCR-SARE awarded more than $1.5 million to nine projects ranging from $47,067 to $200,000. Research and Education projects include an outreach component and significant farmer/rancher involvement from inception of the idea through implementation of the project.

Earlier this year, NCR-SARE awarded more than $441,000 to six projects ranging from $42,472 to $75,000 for the 2011 Professional Development Grant Program. The Professional Development Grant Program addresses emerging issues in the farm community, using farmers as educators.

To access more information about the grants funded in your state, visit the NCR-SARE website, where you can view a funded grants list for every state.

Home » Business Development » Operating a Business » Legal

Using legal counsel in starting up and operating a value-added agriculture business is essential. An attorney is required to help guide you through the legal maze involved in running a business. However, legal counsel is also usually expensive. So it needs to be used judiciously. Also, selecting the right attorney for your particular needs is important.

To help you find an attorney, visit AgMRC’s directory of Value-Added Agricultural Consultant and Service Providers. To assist you in choosing an attorney, read Considerations When Selecting a Consultant.

For more information on this topic, see the links listed below of articles posted on related Web sites.

Legal Investigation

Do I Need a Business Lawyer? – NOLO Law for All -- Find out when you can do it yourself and when you should call in an expert.
What You Should Expect From a Lawyer – NOLO Law for All -- If you're dissatisfied with your lawyer, this article will help you determine whether your complaints are reasonable.
Help with Legal Research – NOLO Law for All -- You don't have to be a lawyer to conduct legal research. Here you'll find the tools you need to get started.
Legal Fees and Expenses – American Bar Association -- At your first meeting, the lawyer should estimate how much the total case will cost and inform you of the method he or she will use to charge for the work.
Common Small Business Legal Mistakes – AllBusiness.com -- Knowing what pitfalls to watch out for can make a big difference.
Important Laws for Small Businesses – AllBusiness.com -- There are a number of legal issues of which you should be aware.
Everybody’s Legal Dictionary - NOLO Law for All.
Legal Dictionary – LawInfo.com.

Finding Legal Counsel

How to Find an Excellent Lawyer – NOLO Law for All -- Though there are lots of ways to help yourself when it comes to the law, sometimes you need a lawyer.
Selecting a Lawyer – Small Business Notes -- Chances are that you will need legal advice right from the inception of your business.
Guidelines for Hiring a Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- Help you selecting a lawyer, preparing to meet with a lawyer and knowing what to expect in your first meeting with the lawyer.
Hiring a Lawyer – LawInfo.com -- Answers to frequently asked questions about the process of hiring a lawyer.
Find a Lawyer Quick Search – Lawyers.com -- This database will help you locate a lawyer based on a topic and location. Legal topics and tips are also provided.
Find an Attorney – LawInfo.com -- Directory includes Lead Counsel Certified Attorneys.
Business: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- Every business should have a continuing relationship with a good lawyer.
Starting a Business: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- If you don’t already have a lawyer representing your interests, a prime candidate to meet your needs would be a business lawyer with expertise on corporate matters and start-up ventures.
Banking and Finance: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com – Selecting a lawyer for your banking and finance needs.
Employers: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- Most lawyers who specialize in employment law will predominantly represent either employers or employees.
Internet Business: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- Legal issues involving the Internet are potentially so broad that there may be not be anyone out there who could be called a pure “Internet lawyer.” But that doesn’t mean there aren’t certain skills that you should look for if you are doing business online or if you otherwise have legal issues or problems involving the Internet.
Real Estate: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com – Information on selecting a real estate lawyer.
Strategic Alliances: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- Strategic alliances have become an integral part of doing business, and many lawyers have developed areas of expertise that specifically cater to strategic alliance issues.
Business Tax: Selecting a Good Lawyer – Lawyers.com -- Tax law is a highly specialized area of expertise, and there are many different types of taxes.

Mediation

Mediation for Small Businesses – NOLO Law for All -- Are you a small business owner with a dispute? Mediation might be for you.
Why Consider Mediation? – NOLO Law for All -- Compared to a lawsuit, mediation is swift, confidential, fair and low cost. Here's a full explanation of its advantages.
http://sfp.ucdaCalifornia Processed Fruit and Vegetable Industry: Information for Mediators of Bargaining Disputes between Growers and Processors– Center for Cooperatives, University of California -- Sketches of each sector provide a basic understanding of each industry, key trends and the terminology used in discussions between growers and packers.

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Announcements

NCR-SARE Funds Over 110 Midwestern Projects

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