In January 2023, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) proposed a rule that would require that animal traceability regulations require “official” animal ear tags to be both visually and electronically readable. This rule is part of HR 4366, which is the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024, which contains many items. Please click […]
FTCLDF Leadership Reflects on Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and as February comes to a close, we at FTCLDF are reflecting on the history of discrimination in America’s farming communities, what is being done about repairing the damage it caused, and what has yet to be done. Today, according to the latest U.S. agricultural census, approximately 1.4% of American […]
2023 Accomplishments Prove There’s Strength in Numbers
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) is so grateful to our supporters, allies and members, who work hard every day to make improvements to the U.S. food system. In 2023 we had some important successes along with some continuing challenges and frustrations with government policies that impede the viability of independent operations engaged in providing locally […]
Update: State of Maine and Town of Kenduskeag Strengthen Laws Related to Food Freedom
In response to action taken by FTCLDF and some of its members, drafters of the Maine Food Sovereignty Act and the Town of Kenduskeag decided to improve on the relevant laws and make it absolutely crystal clear that the kind of food preparation being done by Kenduskeag Kitchen is covered by the law and was […]
Fighting for Food Freedom in Maine: FTCLDF Lawsuit Asserts the State Has Violated Its Food Sovereignty Act
On March 28, 2023, Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) and some of its members filed a lawsuit against the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to protect food freedom in Maine. In late 2022, DHHS agents ordered the closure of the Kenduskeag Kitchen —a small, home -based food producer business that […]