Legal Definitions - family farmer

A family farmer is a person who is engaged in the business of farming and whose income and debts primarily arise from a family-owned and operated farm. This means that the majority of their income comes from the farm they own and operate with their family.

For example, if a person owns a farm and makes most of their income from selling crops or livestock, they would be considered a family farmer. Another example would be a family who owns a dairy farm and sells milk and cheese as their primary source of income.

It's important to note that only a family farmer can file for Chapter 12 bankruptcy. This type of bankruptcy is specifically designed for family farmers who need to restructure their debts and continue operating their farm.