It’s been a productive legislative session for raw milk so far. As usual, a number of bills have been introduced this session to legalize or expand raw milk sales or distribution. Two have already passed into law with the possibility of several others to follow. The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) has worked in support of […]
Farm Freedom on the Docket in Minnesota
On March 9, Minnesota raw milk farmer Dave Berglund will have a hearing before the Sixth Judicial District Court in Grand Marais to determine whether he is guilty of contempt of court for refusing to let Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) officials, possessing an administrative warrant, conduct an
Financing Our Foodshed…Fund a Farmer
As people become disenchanted with the lending system in America, they have begun to invest their money locally in projects where they can realize the value of their investment in the goods and services they use. Additionally, it helps them ensure that their money is going toward projects that support their value system. The concept […]
FTCLDF Case Updates
The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s General Counsel Gary Cox provides the rundown on the cases he’s currently handling. Everyone represented in court by FTCLDF is a member of the organization.
Policing Milk: A Cop’s Take on the Lake View Natural Dairy Case
The two most important roles that I hold in life are that of a husband and that of a father to two small girls. My daughters will inherit my legacy, the society we live in and the rules by which it is governed. I want to make that legacy as positive as possible. I wouldn’t label myself a raw milk advocate or a farm rights
Wyoming Food Freedom Act Moves Toward Passage
RECLUSE, WY—(February 17, 2015)—The Wyoming Food Freedom Act [HB0056] has passed the Wyoming House of Representatives by a 60–0 vote and has cleared the Senate Agriculture Committee. The bill will now be heard by the full Senate; if passed, the bill will be sent to Governor Mead’s desk for
A Fight for Fowl Freedom
“If he wants farm fresh eggs, he can drive out to a farm and get them. They [chickens] are loud, they stink, and people here in O’Fallon just don’t want these animals.” That is what O’Fallon, Missouri Mayor Bill Hennessey said to a reporter in a recent interview. Those words still
Bayer: Standing Behind Your Doctor…and Your Farmer
Recently PR Newswire reported, “More than half of American consumers would like to talk to a farmer even though the vast majority–94 percent–indicated in a recent survey sponsored by Bayer CropScience that they have no connection with agriculture or farming.” The article continued on to say, “Consumers trust farmers
Point Reyes Ranchers in the Crosshairs
Federal agencies planning a project that might impact the environment are required to use the process outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). While NEPA is a formal process, its essence is common sense: gather the relevant information, think about it, then make a decision based on the facts. Public agencies
Advancing Food Sovereignty in Maine
I’ve been asked to share with you today words about food sovereignty and farming, about access to food from farms in Maine, about how communities can determine how our own food needs are met. Water is life. And, FOOD is life. We have a right to life. We have a right to food.