how have U.S. tax policies turned farms into tax havens?

It is often said that there are two sure things in life: death and taxes. This holds true for most people. However, for individuals or groups with the capital to invest heavily in farms, taxes are a reality they won't need to face thanks - in part - to agricultural exceptionalism and an exploitable tax …

what is a farm? what are the different tax structures for farms?

In the United States, a farm is considered a business that earns a minimum of $1,000 rearing livestock or growing crops for food, fiber, and feed. According to the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, farm business can be set up in three ways. The first option is a sole proprietorship where an individual or married …

companion planting: fact or folklore

In recent years [and for generations among indigenous populations], companion planting has emerged as a common technique aimed at exploiting the benefits of the relationships between specific plants to naturally improve crop flavor, health, and vigor. More simply, companion planting is a type of polyculture where two plant species are grown together because it is …

the 15 principles of organic farming

Organic agriculture is the counter movement to conventional agriculture that supports a more natural relationship between production and the environment in which production takes place. To support this relationship and reduce the negative impact of horticulture and agriculture, there are four main principles: CareFairness EcologyHealth These principles influence the practices of organic producers. Accordingly, there are …

what is horticulture?

Defined by the American Society for Horticultural Science as, "the art and science of producing, improving, marking, and using fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants," horticulture is an important component of society that positively impacts citizen's quality of life. Such improvements can take the form of, for example, increased nutrition, more attractive living environments, or …

an introduction to community supported agriculture (csa)

First introduced in Japan and Switzerland in the 1970s, community supported agriculture (CSA) is a form of partnership between farmer and consumer.  They enter into a contract which provides consumers with a certain number of 'shares' in the farm. Each share provides the consumer a box (or bag or bucket or ...) of vegetables or other products …

7 tips for the successful implementation of direct marketing strategies by small farmers

Direct marketing is a form of marketing that is drastically different than commodity selling. Where commodity selling is based on a market-determined price and generally focused on standardized, large-scale sales that are impersonal in nature, direct marketing involves 1:1 selling between an individual/group and the seller. In doing so, trust is established and alternative forms of value …

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