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 or related farm business. We always have an attorney on-call who can be on the phone during a stressful, unexpected farm inspection or even seizure of product.
In May, we fielded calls from all over the country regarding a number of farm and food business- related issues. We feel providing a synopsis of the kinds of issues we assist with on a regular basis can give our members an idea of the kinds of questions we regularly answer.
In the interest of keeping our members and supporters better informed, provide the following Monthly Hotline Blotter. While we will always protect the privacy of our members, we will provide a monthly summary of the type of legal challenges your fellow farmers, homesteaders, and cottage food producers are facing.
As one of our litigating attorneys Suzy Israel likes to say, “Prevention is the best cure” when it comes to dealing with local, state, and federal regulators. It’s better to take steps to prevent problems and stay in compliance with farm and food laws in your city, county, or state.
May 2023 FTCLDF Hotline Blotter
FTCLDF Emergency Hotline
State: Oregon
Small dairies, livestock operations, and potentially even equestrian operations in Oregon have been informed, that starting Jan. 1, 2024, they will be required to obtain a CAFO permit to operate. FTCLDF and members in Oregon are reviewing the matter and may consider legal action.
State: California
Farmer member distributing raw milk under a herdshare needs help replying to California Department of Food and Agriculture about their requirement that she obtain a dairy permit.
State: Pennsylvania
Farmer member selling raw milk would like assistance with replying to FDA agent who is asking to inspect facility.
State: Pennsylvania
Farmer member selling milk to organic company had contract cut after suffering a farm injury and things on the farm got behind. Dumping 1,000 gallons of milk daily.
State: Colorado
Farmer member has a small egg dealer license from the State of Colorado. She has received a letter from the state that they are going to be more diligently inspecting and now require specific labelling on the egg carton.
State: Indiana
New member working on direct-to-consumer bread business. Local health department says a special use permit is needed, which involves costly infrastructure. Needs to know how to move forward.
Besides calls to the FTCLDF Emergency Hotline in May, FTCLDF attorneys provided legal advice, guidance, and documents to assist with additional member legal concerns.
Non- Emergency Legal Assistance and Advice
- 33 requests for herdshare agreements and support in TX, IN, TN, KY, OH, MI, AK
- 10 requests for legal advice about selling raw dairy and raw dairy labeling in TX, OK, KY, PA, WI, IA
- 4 requests for meatshare agreements and/or selling meat out of state in IL, NC, OR
- 6 requests for advice and assistance regarding poultry and eggs in CO, OK, MS, TX
- 3 requests for farm event liability waivers in MI, TX, VA
- Questions about livestock guardian dog/neighbor problem in VA
- Questions about slaughtering poultry for pet food in WI
- Questions about filing a FOIA request in MS
- Questions about business entity formation in CA
- Questions about making niche dairy product on small scale. Running into regulatory problems in WI
- Questions regarding policy assistance in AK
- Questions about using tobacco products in soap in OH
- Questions about verbal land lease going bad in TX
Nonmembers in Need of Legal Assistance
FTCLDF receives regular calls from nonmembers with potential legal issues asking for assistance. Join today and renew your membership annually!
Please feel free to call our offices during business hours with your questions and concerns. Members have 24/7 access to our Emergency Hotline! The hotline number can be found in Member Resources, on any of the membership materials, or by calling our regular office line during business hours. We’ve got your farmer’s back!