Preface

The family farm is one of Canada's most complex organizations. More than most family-owned enterprises, the family farm is both a "business" and a part of the family, and as such, it has both problems and opportunities that are unique in our economy.

The Family Farm Business Advisor is intended to provide essential information on the "family farm" and its mirror image, the "farm family."

The publication is divided into two segments:

1. The "Family Farm" looks at the farm business from the purchase to the sale of the farm. It includes the purchase and sale of the farm; structuring farm ownership; financing the farm; negotiating farm contracts; dealing with real property; accounting and taxation; bankruptcy and insolvency; and farming basics.

2. The "Farm Family" reviews personal and family considerations and concerns, including family law; estate planning; succession planning (including inter-generational transfers); insurance and risk management; and investment and retirement planning.

The Family Farm Business Advisor has been designed both for farm families and their advisors, including, lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, financial planners, investment advisors and brokers, as well as farm consultants and counselors. Most of the areas covered are dealt with both generically and particularly as they relate to the Family Farm or the Farm Family.

Even though The Family Farm Business Advisor can be read as one volume, farmers and their advisors can also pick and choose among the sections, which have been written as self-contained units.

This publication is also intended to be a companion to a series of seminars being held annually dealing with the family farm and farm families.

The Family Farm Business Advisor will be updated annually to ensure that all information provided is as timely as possible. Having said that, readers are cautioned that this publication is intended to provide general information only. Expert assistance should be sought for specific situations. Also, legislation, regulations, and government policies governing family farms and farm families are continually changing and, therefore, specific legislation, regulations and policies should be consulted from time to time.

The Family Farm Business Advisor has been guided by an expert editorial panel and written by professionals with years of experience in their respective fields. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of all statements of fact and law. In some cases, the authors have expressed their opinions. Readers are cautioned that they or their advisors may hold different opinions on various issues raised in this publication.

For further information on the manual view the Table of Contents or return to the main FBA page. If you have any questions or would like to arrange purchase of the Family Farm Business Advisor please e-mail info@ffba.ca or contact Donna Hastings at (204)945-0342.