The latest news from FTCLDF - Defending the rights and broadening the freedoms of family farms and protecting consumer access to raw milk and nutrient dense foods http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/feed.xml On April 1, 2012, an Invasive Species Order (ISO) issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) went into effect despite infringing upon private property rights, criminalizing swine pet owners, depriving small hog farms of earning a livelihood from their investment in breeding heritage swine, and denying consumers the freedom to obtain the pork of their choice. Even restaurant owners and gourmet chefs are feeling the repercussions, no longer able to serve locally grown and harvested pork to eager diners. The ISO prohibits the possession of certain swine and a violation of the ISO is a felony punishable by up to two years in jail and a $20,000 fine for harboring an "invasive species". http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/MI-swine-iso-update.htm Wed, 27 June 2012 06:30:00 -0500 Dear Friend of Real Food, We are now approaching the fifth anniversary of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) and I couldn’t be prouder of the work this organization has done. I believe there is no more important organization to safeguard real foods from the perils of modern day thinking (bigger is better), trumped up food safety concerns and government penchant for overregulation at the expense of the precious small farmer. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/annual_appeal_letter_morell-2012.htm Fri, 8 June 2012 06:30:00 -0500 People who are allergic to soy may also react to eggs, dairy and flesh foods. This is usually chalked up to multiple allergies, but the cause might well be soy residues from the soy-based chows fed to poultry, cows, sheep and fish. Since 2005, when The Whole Soy Story:The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food was published, many readers have shared stories of allergic reactions to eggs, dairy and meat from soy-fed animals. Not a lot of science supports this just yet, but four studies indicate phytoestrogens end up in egg yolks, and one shows their presence in chicken liver, heart, kidney and muscle meat. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/soy-ling-america.htm Fri, 1 June 2012 06:30:00 -0500 Freeport, Minnesota poultry farmer Alvin Schlangen is having a busy spring, compliments of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). On May 14, Schlangen will be tried in a Hennepin County District Court on four criminal misdemeanor counts for violations of the state food and dairy code. Then on June 11, he will have a pretrial hearing at a Stearns County District Court where he is facing six more charges for violations of the state food and dairy laws. While this is going on, there is a pending administrative hearing in which MDA is seeking an order to suspend any further food sales by Schlangen. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-freedom-trial-mn.htm Wed, 2 May 2012 06:30:00 -0500 On March 30 federal district judge Mark W. Bennett issued an order dismissing a lawsuit challenging the interstate commerce ban on raw milk for human consumption filed by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Along with six consumers, an agent for a buyers club, and a dairy farmer selling raw milk to out-of-state customers, the Legal Defense Fund filed suit in February 2010 over a federal regulation (21 CFR 1240.61). http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/press/press-FDA-lawsuit-dismissed.htm Wed, 4 Apr 2012 06:30:00 -0500 In a brazen power grab threatening the livelihood of hundreds of small farmers, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is using the state Invasive Species Act to expand its jurisdiction beyond hunting and fishing to farming operations. On April 1, 2012 an Invasive Species Order (ISO) that DNR issued in December 2010 prohibiting the possession of a number of different types breeds of swine will go into effect. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/michigan-dnr-going-hog-wild.htm Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:30:00 -0500 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study in February that the agency publicized with the headline, Majority of dairy-related disease outbreaks linked to raw milk. It’s not surprising, but still disappointing, to see how the agency was willing to ignore the real facts and data in order to try to discourage people from drinking raw milk. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/defending-raw-milk-against-cdc.htm Wed, 06 Mar 2012 13:30:00 -0500 Sometime later this year Loganville, Wisconsin dairy farmer Vernon Hershberger will be tried before a jury in Sauk County Circuit Court on four criminal misdemeanor counts accusing him of violating the state Food and Dairy Code. The case has drawn widespread attention in Wisconsin, with Hershberger's supporters rallying to his cause. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/hershberger-and-jury-nullification.htm Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:30:00 -0500 Just after New Year's Day, the Obama administration gave its official response of "No!" to the 6,078 signors of a petition on WhiteHouse.gov who requested federal-level legalization of all raw milk sales. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/obama-admin-says-no-raw-milk.htm Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:30:00 -0500 It has been three years since my "11 Great Thoughts" were first proposed. Following the past year filled with heightened conflict, both against and within the raw milk community, it seems appropriate to review them. Some state regulators and especially federal authorities continue a relentless campaign against raw milk and free choice in food. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/raw-milk-evolutions.htm Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:30:00 -0500 San Juan County in Washington State did the indefensible. They closed a farm stand that had been in operation for more than two and a half years. Was it because health inspectors found unsafe food being sold? No. Perhaps it was because the farm didn't have the proper permits to sell food? No. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/jones-family-farm-stand.htm Thu, 5 Jan 2012 19:30:00 -0500 Here is a review of some of the cases currently being handled by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense (FTCLDF) starting with the lawsuit against FDA. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/case-updates-120911.htm Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:30:00 -0500 The conflict over the interstate ban on raw milk for human consumption is racheting up. At the same time the FDA is getting more aggressive going after farmers and distributors it believes are transporting raw milk across state lines, open civil disobedience against the federal regulation prohibiting raw milk in interstate commerce is increasing. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/conflict-over-interstate-raw-milk-ban-escalates.htm Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:30:00 -0500 At the Wise Traditions conference in Dallas recently, I met John Moody who has quite a story. He spoke at the Chapter Leader’s meeting on how to be prepared in case you’re raided by a government agency over raw milk, or some other equally menacing food rights issue. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/preparing-for-a-raid.htm Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:30:00 -0500 On the evening of October 21, 2011 as guests were arriving for the first ever "Farm to Fork Dinner" at Quail Hollow Farm, Southern Nevada Health Inspector Mary Oakes under orders from Supervisor Susan LeBay, formerly a pool inspector in 2005, showed up as well and ultimately ordered the Bledsoes to pour bleach on the delectable local meats and vegetables skillfully prepared by Chef Gio of Nora's Italian Cuisine in Las Vegas. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/quail-hollow-farm-dinner-usa.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:30:00 -0500 As the incident at Quail Hollow and the raid on Rawesome Foods show, a raid can happen anytime, anywhere. The best defense is a good offense, knowing what your rights are in the situation can be very helpful, and make a big difference in the outcome. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/quail-hollow-farm-dinner-usa.htm Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:30:00 -0500 FDA throws Raw Milk Freedom Riders a bone, but what we really want . . . is a roast. The first Farm Food Freedom Coalition event, with ....more http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/FDA-throws-bone.htm Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:30:00 -0500 Join Tim Wightman on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, November 19th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-wightman4.htm Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:30:00 -0500 When you had breakfast this morning, did you pour milk on your cereal or in your tea? Did you give your child a glass of milk? http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/raw-milk-rulings-selick.htm Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:30:00 -0500 On November 1, a group of mothers who feed their children raw milk and others who oppose the FDA’s enforcement actions against the distribution of raw dairy products will hold a demonstration outside the agency’s headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/raw-milk-freedom-riders.htm Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 -0500 What an evening we had this last Friday night! It had all the makings of a really great novel: drama, suspense, anticipation, crisis, heroic efforts, villains and victors, resolution and a happy ending. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/quail-hollow-farm-dinner.htm Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and Tennessee Representative Frank Niceley on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, October 15th at 8pm EST http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-nicely.htm Sat, 15 Oct 2011 10:30:00 -0500 Join Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Marilyn McCray on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s radio show this Saturday, September 24th at 8pm EST http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-mccray2.htm Sat, 24 Sep 2011 10:30:00 -0500 Join our host Donna Betts and guest Diana Austin on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, September 17th at 8pm EST http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-betts-austin.htm Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and John Dollarhite on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, September 3rd at 8pm EST http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-dollarhite.htm Sat, 3 Sep 2011 10:30:00 -0500 Join Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Lierre Keith on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, August 27th at 8pm EST http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-keith.htm Tues, 23 Aug 2011 23:30:00 -0500 Join Tim Wightman and Dr. Catey Shanahan on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, August 20th at 8pm EST http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-wightman-shanahan.htm Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:30:00 -0500 Test Results Vindicate Raw Milk and Dairy Farm http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/press/press-03aug2011.htm Thur, 04 Aug 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Club Manager, Farmer and Weston A. Price Chapter Leader Arrested http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/press/press-03aug2011-rawesome.htm Thur, 04 Aug 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Raw Milk Risk Extremely Small Compared to Risk of Other Foods http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/press/press-Government-Data-Proves-Raw-Milk-Safe.htm Thur, 04 Aug 2011 06:30:00 -0500 Listen to the recording from July 30th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-betts-fagan.htm Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:30:00 -0500 Join Donna Betts and guest Linda Fagan on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, July 31st at 8pm EST. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-betts-fagan.htm Thu, 28 July 2011 08:30:00 -0500 Listen to the recording from July 23rd. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-diaz.htm Thu, 28 July 2011 08:30:00 -0500 Join Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Maureen Diaz on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, July 23rd. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-diaz.htm Fri, 22 July 2011 08:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Judith McGeary and Brad Stufflebeam on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, July 9th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-mcgeary-stufflebeam.htm Sun, 03 July 2011 20:30:00 -0500 In recognition of the Fund's defense of the farm families who produce the very foods that are the focus of this presentation, Nourishing Our Children offers very special gifts. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/2011-Nourishing-Our-Children.htm Wed, 06 July 2011 20:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and herdshare operator Mike Hulme on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, July 2nd. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-hulme.htm Sun, 03 July 2011 20:30:00 -0500 Join Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Marilyn McCray on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, June 25th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-mccray.htm Wed, 22 June 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Tim Wightman on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, June 18th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-wightman3.htm Fri, 17 June 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and journalist David Gumpert on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, June 11th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-gumpert.htm Fri, 10 June 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Judith McGeary and Mark McAfee on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday, June 4th.  http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-mcgeary-mcafee.htm Fri, 03 June 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Listen to Attorney Elizabeth Rich and Dr. Richard Olree from the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show Saturday May 28th. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-rich-olree.htm Wed, 01 June 2011 11:30:00 -0500 For the past year and half, the FDA has conducted an undercover sting operation on Pennsylvania Amish dairy farmer Dan Allgyer and his loyal private buying club customers. Last week, the FDA served Dan notice that it is seeking a permanent injunction against him for introducing raw milk into interstate commerce. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/newsletters/May_10_2011_Issue.htm Fri, 13 May 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and Ohio farmer/activist Donna Betts on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday at 8pm EST. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-betts.htm Fri, 13 May 2011 11:30:00 -0500 While there is a federal ban on raw milk for human consumption in interstate commerce, the states are left to decide for themselves whether to legalize the intrastate sale or distribution of raw milk. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no jurisdiction over the sale of raw milk in intrastate commerce; http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/fda-nmpf-meddling-again-kennedy.htm Thu, 05 May 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Judith McGeary and Dr. Will Winter on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday.  http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-mcgeary-winter.htm Wed, 04 May 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Washington DC—A group of more than 1000 DC area or Maryland consumers are irate at the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) attempt to shut down their food supply by conducting a sting operation on their private buying club. Members of the private group contract with an Amish farmer in Pennsylvania to obtain fresh milk and other products from his farm. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/FDA-Sting-Amish-Dairy-Farmer.htm Tue, 02 May 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Pam Killeen on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday.  http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-killeen.htm Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Back by popular demand and just in time for Mother's Day! Shop for great quality stoneware and other Pampered Chef items and support the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. Thursday, April 21 thru Saturday, April 30, 2011 http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/pampered-chef-fundraiser.htm Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:30:00 -0500 On behalf of 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations, the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed suit on March 29 against Monsanto Company to challenge the chemical giant's patents on genetically modified seed. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/press/pr-ftcldf-suit-monsanto-gmo-seed.htm Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and Maine farmer Deborah Evans on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-evans.htm Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0500 On Saturday, April 2, Blue Hill became the third town in Maine to adopt the Local Food and Self-Governance Ordinance. The Ordinance was passed at Blue Hill's town meeting by a near unanimous vote. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/Third-Maine-Town-Passes-Landmark-Local-Food-Ordinance.htm Mon, 5 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Dr. Kaayla Daniel and Kathryne Pirtle on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-daniel-pirtle.htm Mon, 4 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Judith McGeary and Howard Vlieger on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday.  http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-mcgeary-vlieger.htm Fri, 1 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0500 The bill to legalize sales of raw milk at farmers markets and through delivery has been stalled by industry and agency opposition. Big Ag and the Health Department don't want to allow consumers to have the choice to legally buy raw milk without having to drive several hours every single week. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/aa/aa-31mar2011-call-your-texas-legislators-to-support-raw-milk.htm Fri, 1 Apr 2011 10:30:00 -0500 In an unsurprising response to questions submitted to it by a federal judge, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asserted that any commercial transaction involving the transport of raw milk for human consumption across state lines is subject to the agency’s jurisdiction and is illegal. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/fda-answers-judge-kennedy.htm Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Tim Wightman on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-wightman.htm Thu, 24 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and Farmageddon producer/director Kristin Canty on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-canty.htm Fri, 18 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Attorney Pete Kennedy and food activist Harry Hamil on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-kennedy-hamil.htm Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0500 A number of raw milk bills have been introduced in the state Houses in the current legislative session. What follows is a state-by-state summary of the bills that have been introduced. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/raw-milk-bills-031011.htm Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Here is a review of some of the cases currently being handled by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense (FTCLDF) starting with the lawsuit against FDA. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/case-updates-030811.htm Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:30:00 -0500 Join Food Rights Hour host Judith McGeary, Esq. and her guest, Stuart Veldhuizen on the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund's radio show this Saturday. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/food-rights-hour-mcgeary-veldhuizen.htm Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:30:00 -0500 The bill presented by Massachusetts State House member, William Smitty Pignatelli to make herdshare/cowshare legal as a CSA model in Massachusetts seems to be losing steam even before it has been assigned a bill number or hearing date. http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/news/news-22february2011.htm#1 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:30:00 -0500 An open letter appeared on the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance founded and run by Judith McGeary to save family farms in the US [1, 2]. The letter, written by Don Huber, professor emeritus at Purdue University, to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack http://www.farmtoconsumer.org/news/news-21february2011.htm#1 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:30:00 -0500