“Sign the deed or I’ll sn:a:p your arm right here!” my brother screamed while slamming me against the truck outside Sunset Lavender Co. as our parents watched without emotion.

Weeks ago, right when the farm’s revenue skyrocketed, I was approached by Verdant Ventures, a massive corporate agricultural investment fund. They had sent a team of soil experts out here to analyze the blooming lavender. The agricultural consultant who helped me continue reading …