For decades, the policies that determine how our food is grown, raised, produced, distributed, and sold have benefited industrial operations over independent farmers, ranchers, and artisan food producers. We don’t believe the government has the right to choose what we eat, or how we grow or raise food.
FTCLDF team spent 2025 fighting for scale-appropriate regulations and empowering the farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, artisan food producers, and consumers who make up our vibrant community.
Together, we achieved fulfilling accomplishments and faced some of our greatest challenges: from protecting Maine’s Food Sovereignty Law to defending small farms in Michigan.
Along with allies, FTCLDF submitted written objections to the proposed Framework for Salmonella in Raw Poultry, which the USDA later withdrew.
We worked with members in Ohio to prevent negative changes to the use of herdshares, and worked with members to support the improvements to on-farm poultry processing and sales.
Join the fight for food freedom today by donating to our year-end fundraiser. Every dollar fuels the legal and policy work that will help everyday Americans gain control over their local food systems.
Download the Donation Form to send by mail to: Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, 8116 Arlington Blvd. #263, Falls Church VA 22042
In 2025, FTCLDF. . .
Improved food sovereignty in Maine
FTCLDF supported Kenduskeag Kitchen in litigation against the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, challenging its costly commercial kitchen licensing requirement that violated the Maine Food Sovereignty Law. The case led to Maine LD 124, which explicitly allows meals prepared in home kitchens to be sold directly to consumers and affirms local communities’ right to uphold traditional foodways.
Prevailed in a state court appellate case in Michigan
In early 2025, FTCLDF attorney Michelle Halley won a Michigan appellate case. Finding that Cottonwood Farm engaged in commercial activity, which required consideration of the Michigan Right to Farm Act, the court overturned the lower court’s decision.
Expanded our resources
FTCLDF expanded its library of public educational resources and continues to add new tools to empower farmers, food producers, and members. This year, we hosted webinars on land access, agriculture policy trends, and legal considerations for farm and homestead animals; published articles on key topics like RFID tag requirements, raw milk testing, and litigation updates; and launched new website features, including an “FTCLDF in the News” section and our latest newsletter.
Served members and stakeholders
FTCLDF’s capacity for legal and member services continues to grow: As of September 2025, our team engaged in over 3,400 interactions with members, donors, and stakeholders. This represents nearly 700 unique legal matters — including 344 dairy and herdshare consultations, around 200 involving eggs, meat, or cottage foods, and about 50 related to business, zoning, or livestock guardian dogs — along with nearly 50 emergency calls for urgent on-farm or criminal issues.
Advanced food freedom policies
FTCLDF helped advance legal changes in at least 21 states to expand opportunities for small producers, improving local sales of eggs, raw milk, poultry, and cottage foods.
Download the Donation Form to send by mail to: Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, 8116 Arlington Blvd. #263, Falls Church VA 22042
In 2026, FTCLDF Will...
Increase policy efforts
FTCLDF will continue working hard towards passage of policies like the LOCAL Foods Act and the PRIME Act.
Enhance member representation & resources
As we grow in size, our member needs grow too! We’ll expand resources to empower them with the tools and knowledge they need to grow their businesses and push for local, state, and federal policy changes. We may even add to our team to assist members more efficiently.
Expand public interest litigation
We are particularly excited to work with our new partner 501(c)(3) nonprofit Food of Choice, Inc: formed to protect the fundamental rights of individuals and communities to grow, raise, produce, prepare, and share the foods they choose. Food of Choice will focus on education and funding public interest litigation. Sign up to stay in the loop!
Join the Fight
Energized by the progress made this year, we’re getting ready to dive into a busy 2026.
With your partnership, we can cultivate a future where communities have genuine autonomy over their food and food system. We look forward to working alongside you in 2026 and beyond. Together, we’re building a future where food freedom thrives in every community.
