Welcome to this course on agricultural contracts. Around the world, smallholder farmers and SMEs face challenges when entering markets. Too often, they rely on verbal agreements, exposing themselves to risks of disputes, unpaid deliveries, or unfair practices. A written contract provides clarity, certainty, and protection. It is not just a legal document — it is a tool for building trust and growing your business.

The training on contracts comprises two (2) main parts.

Part one: presentation of the ffundamental notions of contracts. The goal is to inform participants about the advantages of using legal instruments in their activities, including various types of sale / purchase agreements. The training includes the following aspects:

·         Preconditions for concluding a contract

·         Advantages of using contracts

·         Written contracts

·         Main elements of a contract

·         Parties

·         Main obligations (for each party)

·         Other provisions (force majeure, dispute settlement / mediation, entry into force)

Part two: presentation and discussion of the proposed model contracts, including the Contract for the supply of horticultural crops; the Consignment agreement, as well as the ITC Model Contract for the International Commercial Sale of Goods (short version) and Sales of Perishable Goods, all with indications on the use of pertinent, practical examples and variations.

A separate course is devoted and offered on of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and their importance as cost-effective and accessible means of resolving conflicts. Traditional legal processes can be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, often leaving small-scale without viable options to address disputes. ADR methods, such as mediation and arbitration, provide an alternative that is quicker and less formal, reducing the financial and logistical burden on parties with limited resources. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, ADR also helps maintain relationships between farmers, buyers, and other stakeholders, which is essential for the long-term sustainability of agricultural and informal sector operations. (link to training package on ADR)

Moreover, ADR is particularly beneficial in contexts where formal legal systems may be difficult to access due to geographic, cultural, or infrastructural barriers. For small farmers and informal operators who often lack formal contracts or legal protections, ADR provides a structured yet flexible approach to resolve disputes based on mutual understanding and practical solutions. It empowers marginalized groups by giving them a voice in the resolution process while avoiding the adversarial nature of traditional litigation.