Contract Performance, Breach, and Remedies
Val’s Foods signs a contract to buy 1,500 pounds of basil from Sun Farms, a small organic herb grower, as long as an
independent organization inspects the crop and certifies that it contains no pesticide or herbicide residue. Val’s has a
contract with several restaurant chains to supply pesto and intends to use Sun Farms’ basil in the pesto to fulfill these
contracts. While Sun Farms is preparing to harvest the basil, an unexpected hailstorm destroys half the crop. Sun Farms
attempts to purchase additional basil from other farms, but it is late in the season, and the price is twice the normal
market price. Sun Farms is too small to absorb this cost and immediately notifies Val’s that it will not fulfill the con–
tract. Using the information presented in the chapter, answer the following questions.
1. Suppose that the basil does not pass the chemical-residue inspection. Which concept discussed in the chapter might
allow Val’s to refuse to perform the contract in this situation?
2. Under which legal theory or theories might Sun Farms claim that its obligation under the contract has been dis–
charged by operation of law? Discuss fully.
3. Suppose that Sun Farms contacts every basil grower in the country and buys the last remaining chemical-free basil
anywhere. Nevertheless, Sun Farms is able to ship only 1,475 pounds to Val’s. Would this fulfill Sun Farms’ obligations to Val’s? Why or why not?
4. Now suppose that Sun Farms sells its operations to Happy Valley Farms. As a part of the sale, all three parties agree
that Happy Valley will provide the basil as stated under the original contract. What is this type of agreement called?
