Agricultural Law

Sophisticated Agricultural Law Representation

Agricultural landowners, producers and processors face unique financial, practical, and legal challenges which require legal counsel attuned to such concerns. The agricultural law attorneys at McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker (MDSW) have decades of experience working with farmers and other entities whose livelihoods depend on the land or water, always cognizant that much more than just dollars and cents are at stake.


There is no shortage of issues faced by farmers and others with agricultural interests, each of which presents its own opportunities and risks. MDSW represents a wide range of contributors to our food supply from individual landowners to multigenerational family farm operations, private foundations to organic farming cooperatives, and community supported agriculture to international corporations. Our conservation easement practice draws on the Firm’s strengths in related practice areas, such as real estate and business and estate planning. Innovative agriculture projects in which are involved include poultry waste-to-energy, oyster and salmon aquaculture, and agrivoltaics.

Protecting Legacies and Promoting Stewardship

We represent clients in all matters that impact the viability and profitability of their enterprises and protect the legacy of their stewardship. These areas include:

  • Land use issues and environmental concerns
  • Government regulations, inspection regimes, and subsidies
  • Industry consolidation
  • USDA actions
  • Agricultural leases, licenses and entity formation
  • Biotechnology, GMOs and agricultural chemicals
  • Food safety
  • Financing
  • Estate Planning
  • Employment and immigration issues
  • Real estate transactions
  • Disputes with neighboring property owners
  • Water appropriation
  • Discharge permits
  • Renewable energy
  • Mitigation and Ecological system services
  • Right-to-farm and nuisance issues
  • Supply chain and global trade

MDSW represents clients across the spectrum of agricultural production and distribution, including:

  • Livestock and crop producers
  • Vineyards, wineries and breweries
  • Family-owned farms
  • Agribusiness corporations and cooperatives

Schedule a Consultation

With a combination of sophisticated, nationwide experience and deep Delmarva roots, the attorneys at McAllister, DeTar, Showalter & Walker (MDSW) are committed to providing efficient and personal legal services for agricultural interests throughout Maryland, Delaware, and beyond. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and learn about how we may be able to assist you. We know that agriculture is more than just a business to you, and we address the issues you face holistically and with an equal level of commitment and passion.

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