Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund exists first and foremost to serve our members. Farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and artisan food producers count on us for legal guidance, and our team is always here when they need support.
Below is a snapshot of the assistance we provided from July through September 2025.
Hotline Blotter
When things get stressful, the Hotline has our members’ backs.
It’s available 24 hours a day for those surprise inspections or sudden regulatory visits that can throw any farm or food business off balance. Our on-call attorneys are just a phone call away, ready to talk you through the situation and help you protect your operation.
Every quarter, we publish a Hotline Blotter: a privacy-protected roundup of the challenges our members are facing. It’s a powerful reminder that you’re not alone in this work.
- State: Tennessee
- A neighbor called the State Dept of Ag and Animal Crimes Unit to report a member’s cow they found “too skinny.” We counseled the member and called the District Attorney’s office, and the complaint was dropped.
- State: Tennessee
- A USDA investigator made an unannounced visit to a member’s farm after receiving a complaint. FTCLDF counseled the member and prepared custom Buyers’ Club agreement documents.
- State: Ohio
- A county health department official shut down a member’s stand at the farmer’s market due to language on the member’s herdshare sign. FTCLDF prepared the member for a meeting with the health department.
- State: Virginia
- A member called FTCLDF with a USDA inspector on-site asking questions about the member’s buffalo meat processing. FTCLDF provided with member with proof that buffalo processing does not require USDA inspection.
- State: Michigan
- A member called during a surprise inspection from Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development officials.
- State: Michigan
- Member visited by animal control. FTCLF on phone during investigation.
- State: Tennessee
- A member called about a complaint filed against them. FTCLDF researched the issue and provided the member with materials to resolve the complaint.
- State: Florida
- Member received a courtesy letter from the county claiming member’s cows are too close to the property line. FTCLDF researched ordinances on member’s behalf and helped resolve the issue.
- State: California
- Member was reported to CA Department of Food and Agriculture about raw goat milk sold for pet consumption. FTCLDF advised on legality of practice, issue resolved.
- State: Louisiana
- Member reported a large explosion, fire, smoke and oil droplets at a nearby lubricant supply facility. FTCLDF contacted agencies and is working with member to seek compensation for damage to animals.
- State: Virginia
- Member called during an inspection of dairy farm. Resolved with no issues.
- State: Indiana
- New member joined when neighbors shot member’s pigs, which had escaped. FTCLDF is working on the matter.
- State: Wisconsin
- Member called about charges filed against them for selling wheat. FTCLDF advised on legal requirements.
- State: Minnesota
- Member called hotline after a visit from Department of Agriculture in which the department asserted that she cannot provide products or deliver milk under a herdshare. While we await the department’s position in writing, the FTCLDF is preparing updated herdshare agreement documents for the member.
- State: Montana
- Member called after receiving threats from the county Health Department. FTCLDF reviewed the member’s practices and contacted the Health Department. We believe the matter is resolved.
Legal Advice
Each quarter, we track the non-emergency legal requests that come our way. This summary is a helpful reminder of the kids of issues facing our nation’s food producers.
Here’s how we helped our members last quarter:
- 50 dairy herdshare questions and consult requests from TX, OH, MN, MI, IN, NM, NC, TN, KY, CO, VA, LA, MO, MS, CA, MT, KY, and RI
- Six zoning, licensing, and permitting issues in OH, LA, MD, RI, NJ, and LA
- Two new-business formation requests
- Four questions about the legality of home-based food production versus commercial kitchen use for pesto, baked goods, prepared foods, and more in TX, MO, WI, and TN
- 13 requests for meatshare agreements and other questions about custom slaughter and butchery in WI, TN, NA, NM, CO, NC, CA, WY, and KY
- 12 questions about on-farm poultry processing in AK, TX, FL, TN, NE, MI, CO, CA, and OH
- Seven requests for liability waivers or similar agreements in NC, TX, IA, MI, VA, and TN
- 12 questions about the legalities of selling through or setting up co-ops, Private Membership Associations, and food-buying clubs in LA, TX, OH, VA, PA, WI, TN, and ID
- Five consultations about livestock guardian dog issues in MI, WI, and VA
Are you looking for the legal support FTCLDF offers to protect and grow your operation?
You can contact us with any questions, or click below to join!
