On December 6, 2024, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) announced a new rule authorizing testing of raw milk for the H5N1 virus. The order specifies: “Upon request from APHIS any person responsible for a dairy farm, bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station, or dairy processing facility that sends or […]
Injunction Issued Stopping Corporate Transparency Act Reporting!
*This is not legal advice. This is general information to educate about the upcoming CTA requirements. The beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirement is on hold after a federal Texas judge issued a preliminary injunction applicable to all reporting companies nationwide. The suit was brought by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and […]
Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Rule: What Is It and Does It Apply to Me?
*This is not legal advice. This is general information to educate about the upcoming CTA requirements. Introduction In 2021, Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), ostensibly to help deter financial misconduct. This law passed over the objections of many key organizations, including those of the National Small Business Association. Through this Act, there […]
How to Take Policy Action and Be a Changemaker for Food Freedom
In our recent Annual Member Survey, we heard from many of you about policy and legislative issues you’d like to see the FTCLDF support. We thank you for your feedback! Our members also made it clear that they, too, want to do more to support their local farmers and food producers and to advocate for […]
The End of Legislative Sessions Across the Country Highlight the Importance of Continued Support for Food Freedom Bills
This past year, Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund has been monitoring, advising, and working to influence hundreds of food freedom bills and policies across the country in order to expand food freedom. Thank you to all of our members for their continued support and for their advocacy in these efforts to broaden the rights of independent […]
Farm-to-Consumer Signs onto the LOCAL Foods Act to Benefit On-Farm Slaughter
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 […]