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 who can be on the phone during a stressful, unexpected inspection or even seizure of product.
In Winter 2024, 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.
While we will always protect the privacy of our members, we will regularly provide a summary of the type of legal challenges your fellow farmers, homesteaders, and cottage food producers are facing.
Keep your FTCLDF membership current for full member benefits!
January, February, March FTCLDF Hotline Blotter
FTCLDF Emergency Hotline
State: Michigan
Farmer members are being told by Township that a permit is needed to host events and educational programs. Member wants advice as to whether they need a permit under the Michigan Right to Farm Act and specifically the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).
State: North Carolina
Farmer member had a poultry inspection from the state department of agriculture National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). Farmer’s birds became sick following the inspection and the member is afraid birds were infected during the inspection visit.
State: Mississippi
Farmer member being threatened by USDA meat inspector that facility may be shut down. Needs help urgently.
State: Ohio
Farmer member is having an issue with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and their local health department. Needs immediate consult.
State: Michigan
Non-member called for assistance. Neighbor suing over bees. Beekeeper has 21 days to respond. Note: Keep your FTCLDF membership current for full member benefits!
State: Pennsylvania
Non-member has been in raw pet food business for 8 years and had a visit from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the FDA is no asking for product samples to test for pathogens. Note: Keep your FTCLDF membership current for full member benefits!
State: South Carolina
Farmer member with pastured poultry called because the Department of Health demanded a manure management plan. Member is up against a deadline and sought our guidance as the regulations in question do not appear to apply to him.
State: Oklahoma
Farmer member has been denied a 10k poultry processing exemption by the state because he does not have an enclosed slaughter facility. We are providing guidance and assistance in trying to resolve the matter.
Non- Emergency Legal Assistance and Advice
- 75 requests for herdshare agreements and support in 19 states: NM, MS, TN, VA, OR, IN, OH, IA, NC, SC, GA, MI, TX, CA, PA, CO, KY, KS, NC
- 27 requests for advice and assistance regarding poultry and eggs processing and sales in 16 states: TX, ID, KS, VA, SC, WI, NE, TX, NC, IN, TN, NM, MS, OH, NJ, FL
- 18 requests for legal advice about selling raw dairy, raw dairy products, and raw dairy labeling in 10 states: OH, PA, CA, SC, IN, NC, MT, TN, IA, TX
- 16 requests for custom meat slaughter, meatshare agreements and/or meat sales consult in 11 states: OH, WI, PA, WA, TX, IN, TN, MI, NC, CA, TN
- 7 requests for cottage food consult in MT, TN, VA, OH, VA, IN
- 5 requests for farm liability waivers in MI, PA, FL, KY
- Questions about setting up a CSA in CA
- Questions about PMAs versus buying clubs and herdshares in KY, TN, TX
- Questions about livestock guardian dog problems in WA, GA, VA
- Questions about shipping meat out of state in IN
- Questions about vegetable license requirement in CT
- Questions about selling items like elderberry syrup and apple cider vinegar in NC
- 5 requests for information about business entity formation in IL, MI, NJ, VA
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 at 703.208.3276 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!