Vermont Law School is introducing the state’s first nonprofit program to bring free legal services to farmers and small business owners, according to a news release from the school.
News Story (Vermont)
Valley News (NH)
January 27, 2020
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Tags: Farming, Small Business
Organizations mentioned/involved: Legal Food Hub
News Story (Vermont)
Valley News (NH)
January 27, 2020
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Tags: Farming, Small Business
Organizations mentioned/involved: Legal Food Hub
DETAILS
The program, called the Vermont Legal Food Hub, operates out of the school’s Center for Agriculture and Food Systems in South Royalton, and it’s funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They’ve already recruited attorneys from 10 firms to work on two pilot cases, according to the release.
It’s being led by Jennifer Rushlow, the director of VLS’s Environmental Law Center, who started the first food hub program in Massachusetts in 2014. VLS said the nonprofit fills a need for farmers and food-related small business owners, who often need legal help with transferring land or signing contracts.
Only around 10% of farmers currently use legal services, according to a study referenced in the news release.