Agribusiness Lending
The lawyers in our Agribusiness Group are familiar with issues of concern to both lenders and borrowers. This breadth of experience adds an extra dimension to our advice and counsel to our lending clients as we assist them in structuring loan transactions and in assessing issues that arise during the borrower lender relationship, including those that arise upon default. We have represented lenders in unsecured loans, subordinated debt transactions, real estate loans and loans secured primarily by crops or other personal property. We have represented lenders in structuring workouts of distressed loans and foreclosures of agricultural property. We are familiar with laws that uniquely apply to agribusiness loans, such as the Food Security Act of 1985, the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, the Packers and Stockyards Act, and plant patent and other intellectual property laws. We also are familiar with the unique characteristics of collateral involved in agribusiness lending transactions and are experienced in assisting both borrowers and lenders in evaluating such collateral. In addition, our attorneys have assisted in the development of agricultural provisions of more general laws, such as revised Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
Regulatory Compliance
We have experience with water laws, public land laws, and environmental regulations that are frequently involved in the operation of farms, ranches and other agribusiness concerns. We have extensive experience in assisting lenders and purchasers in evaluating the priority and validity of water rights, disputes involving BLM and Forest Service grazing rights, and environmental restraints on operations.
Water Rights
Stoel Rives has an active and comprehensive water law practice representing farmers, cities, utilities, and industrial and commercial water users facing today's challenging regulatory environment. Acquiring water rights for clients is the foundation of our water law practice. As clients change their water use, we assist them in ensuring their water rights continue to meet their needs. This includes transferring water rights, obtaining regulatory approval for changes in use of water, and assisting in the formation and administration of water districts. We help clients develop long-range management plans to ensure they have the water they need and that they meet their obligations under the Clean Water Act. We also assist many water users and landowners in meeting permitting challenges under section 404 of the Clean Water Act and similar state laws.
International Business
Lawyers in our International Practice Group are knowledgeable concerning a wide variety of laws governing international agri-business transactions, including international treaties and trade laws, export licensing requirements, foreign investment reporting requirements, and Exon-Florio notification requirements. Our lawyers have extensive experience in developing and negotiating contracts for the sale of goods, license agreements, and distribution agreements. In consultation with foreign counsel, we also assist clients in structuring contracts to comply with foreign law.