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 June, July, and August, 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 Hotline Blotter. While we will always protect the privacy of our members, we will provide a 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.
June, July, August 2023 FTCLDF Hotline Blotter
State: Oregon
Ongoing Issue! Small raw milk dairies in Oregon have been informed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture that starting January 1, 2024, they will be required to obtain a CAFO permit to operate. Our attorneys continue to work on this issue and may consider legal action to protect small livestock owners. FTCLDF has been working to raise awareness about the possible CAFO permit requirement, which could impact all small livestock operations, including horse operations. To help fund this work, consider giving here.
State: Michigan
Farmer member arrested due to barking-dog complaints from neighbor. Member has LGDs and neighbor has lodged multiple complaints.
State: Michigan
Farmer member issued fine from Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) for meat processing.
State: Washington
Farmer members being harassed by local animal rights organization. Asking for assistance on best way to protect themselves.
State: Pennsylvania
Farmer member was served with a demand letter regarding on-farm processing of chickens and lambs for personal use for his family and his neighbors.
State: Pennsylvania
Farmer member received a letter regarding raw milk for pet consumption from the Pennsylvania Department Of Agriculture and needs immediate advice.
State: Michigan
Farmer member has an Inspector texting to set up meeting about herdshare agreement. Asked for immediate assistance.
State: Michigan
Farmer called stating local authorities have decimated his farm business due to zoning issues and it is shut down. Needs immediate assistance.
Besides calls to the FTCLDF Emergency Hotline this summer, FTCLDF attorneys provided legal advice, guidance, and documents to assist with additional member legal concerns.
Non- Emergency Legal Assistance and Advice
- 60 requests for herdshare agreements and support in 18 states: TN, VA, OR, IN, OH, IA, SC, GA, MI, MS, TX, CA, NM, PA, CO, KY, KS, NC
- 18 requests for legal advice about selling raw dairy, raw dairy products, and raw dairy labeling in 11 states: UT, MN, PA, VA, CA, KS, TN, MO, NE, AZ, WI
- 2 requests for cottage food consult in WV and TN.
- 8 requests for meat processing consult in CO, VA, ND, PA, MI
- 6 requests for meatshare agreements and/or meat sales consult in VA, TN, MO, NC, OH
- 8 requests for advice and assistance regarding poultry and eggs processing and sales in CO, ID, WI, IN, PA, OH
- 4 requests for farm liability waivers in TN, MA, WY, VA
- Questions about livestock guardian dog killed by car; car owner wants damages paid in TN
- Questions about the viability of PMAs in CO, TN, TX
- Questions about selling bagged greens at farmers market in TX
- Questions about selling her freeze dried and/or dehydrated fruits and vegetables in WI
- 3 requests for information about business entity formation in TN, TX, MI
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!