Preamble

The Preamble is a lease section that contains a series of clauses often starting with “Whereas.” The Preamble is sometimes called the “Recitals.” The Preamble is not legally required.

The purpose of this section is to provide an opening statement about the vision and goals shared by the Parties. This can be useful in setting the context and tone for the legalities that follow. A Preamble is particularly valuable for stating specific objectives such as providing an opportunity to a beginning farmer, stewarding an historic site or providing food for underserved communities.

These text examples illustrate what you might include in parts of this section. Example text is not intended as “sample” or “model” language, or as “best practice.” You may copy, paste the example text into the template, then modify it for your working lease document. Or you can learn from the examples in order to develop your own text.

The following are examples of “Whereas” statements that might be part of a Preamble:

Text box “Whereas …”

• … both parties share an interest in the long-term health and productivity of the agricultural lands and related features described below …
• … the Lessor wishes to offer a secure and affordable farming opportunity to the Lessee, …
• … the Parties are committed to work together cooperatively towards establishing an agricultural operation on the Property, and eventual fee ownership of the Property by Lessee …
• … the Lessor wishes the property to be restored and maintained according to high standards of stewardship …