Agribusiness & Food Production

Overview

Miller Thomson’s Agribusiness & Food Production group is a leader in Canada.  We advise on the legal needs for all segments of this industry sector, from the farmer/producer, to the food manufacturer, to the end consumer – and virtually every other facet along the value chain.  Agribusiness and food production gives rise to many complex and unique legal issues.  Miller Thomson’s Agribusiness & Food Production group brings in lawyers from all practice areas in our firm to solve the corporate/commercial and litigation challenges faced by our clients. With a top level Band 1 ranking from Chambers Canada for Agribusiness & Food – a recognition we have been honoured with for eight consecutive years – our group has the experience and in-depth expertise to cover the entire scope of the agriculture industry, from field to table.

Our services include advising on:

  • Marketing boards and commissions
  • Livestock and plant production
  • Agriculture lending and recoveries
  • Commercial transactions involving agriculture & food production
  • Litigation on agricultural & food production issues
  • Business organization & development
  • Land use planning & environmental issues
  • Liability of governments & government agencies
  • Grain law
  • Food Labelling
  • Food Safety
  • Marketing & transportation
  • Intellectual property
  • Farm succession planning, estates and tax issues

Notable matters

  • Successful federal court administrative challenge of CFIA refusal to compensate livestock owners
  • Litigation of damage claims resulting from recall of food products.
  • Representation of various provincial poultry associations in disputes and negotiations with regulating authorities.
  • Advice regarding foreign ownership of agricultural land.
  • Transactional and competition advice in the acquisition of significant processing facilities.
  • Advisors to micro-breweries in manufacturing, distribution and licensing matters.
  • Creation and capitalization of agricultural cooperatives.
  • Litigation arising from failure to comply with USDA import standards for food products.
  • Estate freeze and succession planning for family farms
  • Advice in the creation of farming corporations and holding corporations.
  • Representation of boards and commissions across Canada.
  • Advice relating to regulatory matters, food safety, labelling/packaging; Import/Export regulations
  • Advice regarding warehouse agreements, grower agreements, packing and co-packing agreements, and export and distribution agreements.
  • Environmental advice related to growing/processing operations, including environmental charges and water rights
  • Advising agricultural clients on labour and employment issues
  • Advice on agricultural land generally

Awards & accolades

  • Chambers Canada – top ranked Canadian law firm in Agribusiness, 2017 – 2024

“Grade A” expertise

Our Agribusiness Group earns a top ranking in Chambers Canada. We are proud to be acknowledged as a “go-to firm for agribusiness”, recognized for our “thorough and responsive” service, “solid knowledge” of the sector and in-depth understanding of our clients’ business needs.

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The Food Web: Canadian Agribusiness and Food Law

Read the latest from our Food Web: Canadian Agribusiness and Food Law blog.

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