Agri-Business

Because of the scale and diversity of agriculture in Michigan, many different and complicated legal issues arise day-to-day. Farmers and agribusiness people need help from attorneys that understand the business of Michigan agriculture as well as the laws that apply to the industry. Foster Swift has been privileged to serve the Michigan agriculture community for years, and we bring our experience and industry commitment to our representation.

Meet the Foster Swift Agricultural Law Team

Experience. Foster Swift attorneys serve as counsel for all sizes and types of farm and agricultural organizations including the largest general farm association and the principal commodity marketing cooperatives in Michigan. We understand the special considerations that are needed when dealing with family business issues. Plus, as a full-service law firm with nearly 100 attorneys, we have immediate access to subject matter experts on virtually any area of business law or litigation.

Stability. The majority of our farm clients have been with us for decades as we stay abreast of the changing needs of their operation and assist them in proactively addressing their legal challenges. Our clients and friends receive our Agricultural Law Update, an agriculture-specific newsletter we frequently publish containing information about changes in the law, important judicial decisions, and events that are of interest to farmers and agribusiness people. Please click here if you would like to receive the Agricultural Law Update.

Commitment. Many of our attorneys and staff grew up in the agricultural industry and are personally invested in the advancement of agriculture. We enjoy giving back to the agriculture community we serve. Foster Swift is a proud sponsor of the Michigan FFA Foundation, a repeat buyer at the Ingham County Fair auction and Michigan Livestock Expo Sale-abration, and a sponsor of many conferences and events related to agriculture in our state. In summer 2012, our attorneys helped create the new Agricultural Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and our attorneys have held leadership roles in that organization since its formation.

LEGAL SERVICES

Many of Michigan’s most established farmers and ag-related organizations retain Foster Swift attorneys to assist with:

Business and Organization Planning

Buy-sell agreements
Entity selection and formation
Federal and state farm rebate programs
Federal and state marketing
Intellectual Property
Lease agreements
Mergers and acquisitions
Management succession

Construction

Contracts
Liens
Bonds
Claims & Arbitration

Energy

Methane Digesters
Solar Energy
Wind Turbines/Farms

Environmental Matters

Manure management
EGLE compliance
Water runoff
Wetlands regulations

Equine Law

Learn more about Foster Swift's equine law services here.

Estate Planning

Estate tax planning
Gift transactions
Preserving the family farm
Succession planning

Insurance

Coverage disputes
Liability defense

International Business & Trade

Acquisitions
Distributor agreements
Exporting
Importing
Joint ventures
Licensing agreements

Labor and Employment

Deferred compensation
Employment policy handbooks
Employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs)
Immigration
OSHA and MIOSHA
Profit sharing/pension planning

Litigation & Regulatory

Contract & business disputes
FDA, EPA and EGLE violations
Liability defense
Mediation services
Right to Farm

Real Estate and Construction Matters

Farm land preservation
Land purchases
Master plans, site, construction and expansion issues
Oil and gas leases
Zoning and land use

Tax

Federal and state tax planning
P.A. 116
Property tax appeals

Transportation Law

Learn more about Foster Swift's transportation law services here.

REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS

Agricultural cooperatives
Agricultural machinery dealers
Beef, dairy, hog, poultry & cash crop farms
Chemical & fertilizer manufacturers & suppliers
Family farms
Fruit & vegetable producers
Grain elevators
Insurance companies
Michigan agricultural trade associations
Specialty farms & product manufacturers

REPRESENTATIVE experience

Represented a livestock insurer in securing dismissal of a coverage lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Defended horse owners in a lawsuit brought by their injured horse trainer by securing dismissal through a motion for summary judgment.
Defended equestrian lesson training facility in a lawsuit brought by injured visitor by securing dismissal through a motion for summary judgment
Successfully represented horse owners in business, contract and defamation dispute, including a nine-day trial