Washington State law requires certain licenses and permits for farm and food businesses, depending on the type of farm or food business you operate, what products you sell, where and how you sell your products, and possibly even production methods (e.g., pesticide application). The licenses and permits highlighted below are meant to help guide farmers in the requirements for running a farm business. This fact sheet is not intended to provide legal advice. Please contact specific agencies as well as other jurisdictions (county and city) to verify what you need.
 

Access to capital is critical for any business, whether for a new venture or expansion of an existing farm or food business. There are loan and grant programs designed specifically for farms, ranches, and food businesses. Some of these resources are designed for farms that are not able to get traditional financing from commercial banks. Several are most effective when used in combination. Farm businesses may also find general small business loan programs are a good fit, including those oriented to businesses run by women, minorities, veterans, or youth, or that operate in rural areas.
 

Getting long-term access to land can be one of the most significant challenges small farmers face when establishing or expanding their farm business. Farmers today are finding creative ways to secure land to farm. In addition to traditional purchase options, strategies to secure land include leasing, crop share, and collaborating with land trust entities or other non-traditional landowners.
 

Like any small business, farmers are liable for paying a variety of taxes. Variables such as your form of business, whether you own your land, have employees, sell non-food items, and where and how you sell your farm products all affect the taxes that you are responsible for. There are some farm exemptions from paying taxes. This fact sheet is intended to help you navigate the world of taxes, and your responsibilities and exemptions as a farmer and entrepreneur.
 

Farming is an inherently risky business, and farmers need tools to recover when accidents, crop loss, natural disasters, or possibly, market devaluation occur. Insurance can help farms and food businesses minimize liability, legal fees, possible business interruptions, and more. Insurance may be required by lenders and buyers. Knowing exactly what to insure, what types of insurance are available, what policies cost, and what level of coverage you need can be complicated, especially for diversified farms and smaller operations that blend business assets with home and personal property.

Labor laws are important to understand, especially for seasonal and family businesses. The following information and regulations are for every classification of worker you might have on your farm. As an employer, you have legal responsibilities when hiring employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices and when working with volunteers.