Learning

Learning

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Agrarian Commons in ten US states have developed systems and processes for outreach, engagement, and fundraising to grow local community and national networks in support of farm transition projects. Many of these farm projects, which are manifesting across the continental US, have rich stories and interconnections to land, human, and community justice. Members of the Commons Alliance will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue with farmers and board members of the Agrarian Commons and share stories across regions and organizations. As a knowledge commons, the Commons Alliance creates and share resources which include the following:

Guide to Creating an Agrarian Commons 

The Center for Agriculture & Food Systems (CAFS) created the following legal guide for anyone interested in establishing an Agrarian Commons. The guide outlines bylaws, land stewardship standards, equitable lease-building, and more. 

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Bite-Sized Legal Guides from Sustainable Economies Law Center

Have a legal question but not quite ready to read a full legal guide? These Bite-Sized Legal Guides from SELC are a great place to start. Guides are available on Cooperatives, Entity Formation, Food and Farming, Intellectual Property, Capital, Investing Locally, and much more!

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FaithLands Toolkit

The FaithLands Toolkit supports partnerships between farmers, faith communities, and food systems in celebration of our interconnectedness to one another and our common home.

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Guidebooks and Reports

Agrarian Trust shares in-depth research, findings and reports by independent entities such as Patagonia, the Young Farmer’s Coalition, American Farmland Trust and the Environmental Defense Fund. These guidebooks and reports offer a thorough investigation into our current food system and how it needs to change based on evidence-based findings.

Visit Guidebooks and Reports Page

Publications

Here are some publications we’ve found most helpful for new economy farmers, cooperatives, and land equity and reparations organizations:

FROM VERMONT LAW SCHOOL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURE & FOOD SYSTEMS

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Co-oplaw.org

FROM SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES LAW CENTER

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Land Matters resources

FROM FARM COMMONS

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Land Access Toolbox and case studies

FROM LAND FOR GOOD

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Community Land Trust Technical Manual

FROM EQUITY TRUST

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Model Documents for alternative ownership and keeping farms affordable

FROM EQUITY TRUST

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Grassroots Financing Guide for California Farmers

Grassroots Financing Guide for California Farmers

Living Commons Models

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The Commons Alliance works with and supports a number of communities and organizations, and the following land trusts are now working to create their own community-centered farmland commons:

Connect with the Commons Alliance