Sample Employee Handbooks

Employee handbooks (or personnel policy manuals) are important tools for communicating expectations to your employees. 

The sample handbooks and templates are provided so you can see what other farms/organizations have included. You will want to develop language that reflects your particular farm situation and your desired workplace culture. 

You may also want to use our Personnel Policy Generator tool which will guide you through the development of manual for your farm and provides example language for each section. 

Be sure check with an attorney or the Department of labor in your state for current laws and regulations.

Lewis Creek Farm Employee Handbook
Lewis Creek Farm, located in Starksboro, VT, grows a wide variety of vegetables, berries, herbs and flowers, employing both local and H2A people. 

Download the Lewis Creek Farm Employee Handbook


Mighty Food Farm, located in Shaftsbury, VT, grows vegetables for CSA, farmers market and local wholesale markets. 

Download the Might Food Farm Personnel Policy


Oregon Farm Corps (ORF) Farm Handbook Template. Oregon Farm Corps (formerly Rogue Farm Corps) operates a farmer training program in which host farmers serve as primary mentors and supervisors for apprentices at their farm/ranch. ORF provides this handbook template to its host farmers. 

Access the ORF Farm Handbook Template


Rooted WI Employee Handbook. Rooted WI is a nonprofit organization committed to growing a community-led, sustainable food system through urban agriculture education, food production, and land access. This handbook covers policies and procedures for people employed at Rooted's three urban farms, as well as the 70+ community gardens, and various other facilities and programs in operates.

Download The Rooted WI Employee Handbook



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Please note: Our resources are provided for educational and informational purposes only and are not legal counseling. No attorney-client relationship is created, nor is there any offer to provide legal services by the distribution of these publications. Always consult an attorney before relying on the information in these resources.