FAO Publications

Here is a selection of titles proposed by FAO Publications for forum participants who would like to read more on agricultural land investment contracts.

Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security

The guidelines are the first comprehensive, global instrument on tenure and its administration. They set out internationally accepted standards of responsible practices for the use of and control of land, fisheries and forests.

Safeguarding land tenure rights in the context of agricultural investment

This guide provides guidance to government authorities engaged in the promotion, approval and monitoring of investments at all stages of the investment cycle.

Responsible governance of tenure and the law

This guide addresses the legal value of the Guidelines covering the governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests by explaining the concept of legitimacy and reviewing the different stages of legislative processes, from legal assessment and law-making through implementation of legislation to settlement of disputes.

Responsible governance of tenure: a technical guide for investors

This Technical Guide explains what the Voluntary Guidelines mean and how they can help firms to understand and manage risk related to land tenure.

Legal guide on contract farming

This guide is a tool for a range of users involved in these practices, in policy design, legal research and capacity-building, and will contribute to creating a favorable, equitable and sustainable environment for contract farming.

Due diligence, tenure and agricultural investment – A guide on the dual responsibilities of private sector lawyers in advising on the acquisition of land and natural resources

This guide examines private sector lawyers’ responsibilities when advising clients on agricultural investments. It discusses how they can address, e.g. through policy statements or engagement letters, potential adverse human rights impacts on tenure rights holders.

Enabling regulatory frameworks for contract farming

This study provides guidance on appraising and reforming domestic regulatory frameworks for responsible contract farming, addressing issues such as power imbalance, dispute resolution methods and transparency.

Model agreement for responsible contract farming − With commentary

This paper provides practical legal tools for responsible investments. It addresses some of the challenges in contract farming, including sustainable business relationships, a transparent business environment, fair prices, and timely payments to producers.

Further reading

Overview of the FAO Umbrella Programme Supporting Responsible Investments in Agriculture and Food Systems

http://www.fao.org/cfs/home/activities/rai/en/  

http://www.fao.org/legal/publications/legislative-studies/en/

http://www.fao.org/legal/publications/legal-papers/en/

http://www.fao.org/tenure/resources/en/