Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is one of dozens of organizations, and more than 600 signatories from across the country to support a petition by Rural Vermont to improve the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA). Currently, FMIA only allows farmers to raise, slaughter, and butcher their animals without inspection for their personal use, not sold to […]
New Developments in the Fight for Food Sovereignty in Maine
For almost two years Maine state regulators have kept a small home food business from serving healthy, prepared meals to a rural community. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF), in support of Kenduskeag Kitchen owner Rhiannon Deschaine and other members, maintains the action taken by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) […]
A Seat at the Table: A Right to Food Fundraiser is Sept. 28, 2024 in Portland, Me.
Join us in the fight to protect the rights of local, sustainable, farmers, food makers, and their consumers! FTCLDF and some of our members are in a critical Right to Food legal battle between Kenduskeag Kitchen, a small, local, food producer, and the State of Maine. FTCLDF’s “A Seat at the Table” fundraiser, to be held […]
Member Survey Says…
Thank you to all the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) members who participated in the recent survey. Your response helps us to better serve you. Our members are made up of farmers, homesteaders, cottage food and beverage producers, food buying clubs, and concerned consumers. 2024 Member Survey Replies Our members’ top three favorite member benefits are: Possible […]
FTCLDF’s 24-Hour Spring Emergency Hotline Heavy on Livestock Guardian Issues
Our member survey consistently shows our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline is one of the services our members value most. The hotline is available 24-hours in the event of a farm raid, surprise visit, inspection, or short-term notice regarding a member’s farm, ranch, homestead, cottage food business, or buying club. We always have an attorney on-call […]
The Chevron Doctrine: How the Supreme Court’s Recent Decision to Overrule the Doctrine Could Affect the USDA’s RFID Ear Tag Mandate
On June 28, 2024, the United States Supreme Court overruled its landmark 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 467 U.S. 837, which created what is known as the “Chevron Doctrine,” The Chevron Doctrin called for judicial deference to agencies in situations where the law is unclear. The Court’s overrule of the doctrine […]
July 4 Marks 17 Years of Work for Food Freedom
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund was founded on July 4, 2007 to protect Food Freedom. In the beginning, we defined Food Freedom as the rights of farmers and consumers to engage in direct commerce with each other without interference. Today, FTCLDF works to protect, defend, and broaden the rights and viability of independent farms and ranches, […]
Update on HPAI H5N1 testing of Raw Dairy
As many Farm-to-Consumer members are aware, on April 24, 2024, the USDA issued an order requiring Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 testing of dairy cattle moving in interstate commerce, or across state lines. On June 6, 2024, the FDA sent a letter to state and local health departments recommending that states implement a surveillance testing […]
June’s Member Monday!
The first Monday of every month is Member Monday where we feature a member photo or video on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is proud of our members, and we take great pleasure in highlighting their operations and the awesome work they are conducting in sustainable farming, animal husbandry, artisanal…
Legislative Progress on Food Freedom Bills Shows There Is Strength in Numbers
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund monitors, advises, and works to influence hundreds of food freedom bills and policies across the country that align with our mission. We have been tracking their progress and engaging with legislators and our members to lend our support to those efforts that seek to expand food freedom. We will be offering legislative […]