As with other industries, the field of agribusiness is being reshaped in many ways. Changes in farming methods, consumer demand, processing, renewable energy, land and water use, and other factors are creating a new agribusiness environment – and opportunities as well.

Sussman Shank is well-grounded in agribusiness. For over 50 years we have advised clients in a wide array of matters, including business, tax, environmental, regulations, creditors’ rights, contracts and agreements, employment, and litigation. We work closely with clients to provide advice and representation that best suits their particular business needs.  

Our clients include farmers, ranchers, growers, lenders, distributors, and suppliers. Many are family owned businesses that range from small family farms to large companies that are recognized leaders in the Oregon and Washington agribusiness industry. We’ve helped seed their growth and prosperity.

  • Business entity formation and administration
  • Business and family succession planning
  • Credit and bankruptcy counseling
  • Credit workouts and business reorganization
  • Document drafting necessary to agribusiness operations
  • Employment law
  • Enforcement of creditors’ rights in insolvency proceedings
  • Enforcement of rights under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act
  • Enforcement of statutory lien rights in favor of growers and producers
  • Environmental issues in real estate transactions
  • Environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and litigation
  • Finance and capitalization
  • Lease and contract rights
  • Litigation involving growers, producers, and distributors of agricultural products
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Real estate transactions
  • Representation of farmers and ranchers as borrowers or creditors
  • Representation of landlords of agricultural real property
  • Sales and purchases of farm and business assets
  • Trademark protection
  • Water law

Agribusiness Documentation

Prepared and drafted numerous documents necessary to agribusiness clients, including grower agreements, distribution contracts, security agreements, and leases of real and personal property.

Ag and Grain Lien Enforcement

Prepared and successfully enforced numerous multi-million dollar Agricultural Produce liens under Oregon Law against nonpaying purchasers of farm products and services.

Fiduciary Representation

Represented trustees, court-appointed receivers, and creditors’ committees in large agricultural cases and assisted in the disposition and recovery of estate assets, which resulted in the distribution of significant funds to creditors. Currently represent federal court receiver in litigating and resolving over 30 ag and grain lien claims in a pending receivership.

Chapter 11 Representation

Assisted farmers and ranchers as borrowers and successfully restructured financial obligations under voluntary reorganizations of agribusiness operations under Chapter 11.