For almost two years Maine state regulators have kept a small home food business from serving healthy, prepared meals to a rural community. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF), in support of Kenduskeag Kitchen owner Rhiannon Deschaine and other members, maintains the action taken by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) […]
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Member Survey Says…
Thank you to all the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) members who participated in the recent survey. Your response helps us to better serve you. Our members are made up of farmers, homesteaders, cottage food and beverage producers, food buying clubs, and concerned consumers. 2024 Member Survey Replies Our members’ top three favorite member benefits are: Possible […]
FTCLDF’s 24-Hour Spring Emergency Hotline Heavy on Livestock Guardian Issues
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 […]
The Chevron Doctrine: How the Supreme Court’s Recent Decision to Overrule the Doctrine Could Affect the USDA’s RFID Ear Tag Mandate
On June 28, 2024, the United States Supreme Court overruled its landmark 1984 decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 467 U.S. 837, which created what is known as the “Chevron Doctrine,” The Chevron Doctrin called for judicial deference to agencies in situations where the law is unclear. The Court’s overrule of the doctrine […]
Update on HPAI H5N1 testing of Raw Dairy
As many Farm-to-Consumer members are aware, on April 24, 2024, the USDA issued an order requiring Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 testing of dairy cattle moving in interstate commerce, or across state lines. On June 6, 2024, the FDA sent a letter to state and local health departments recommending that states implement a surveillance testing […]