Completed Project Report


Understanding and Negotiating Leases for New England Farm Entrants

  • Award Amount: $22,000
  • Regional Center: Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center
  • Grant Program: 2008 Unrestricted Risk Management Education

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Project Overview

Farm leases can be an important, risk-minimizing tool for new farmers to start farm enterprises. Yet in New England, land, building and equipment leases are under-utilized and often poorly designed and executed. Rentals are typically unstable and unclear verbal "handshake" agreements.

This project educated New England farm entrants and landowners about the benefits and types of farm leases and when to use them. We helped new farmers (and potential landlords) consider, design and negotiate mutually beneficial, legally sound, written lease agreements.

We produced and disseminated educational materials and an online tutorial,conducted 8 workshops and provided technical assistance. As a consequence of this project, at least 200 participants are better able to address the financial, legal and human relations aspects of leasing. 83% reported likelihood of pursuing leasing to better manage risks associated with asset acquisition, and to mitigate risks associated with lease-based tenure relationships.

Number of Participants: 200

Outcomes

Project Steps

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

There are no promotional materials available for this project.

EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS

There are no educational materials available for this project.

REPORTS & EVALUATIONS

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DELIVERY AREA

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