Since its inception in 2007, the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (“FTCLDF” or the “Fund”) has worked to establish and protect the rights of farmers to direct market the products of the farm and the rights of consumers to obtain the foods of their choice from the source of their choice.
This summary covers the Fund’s work during 2013 and the first half of 2014.
Federal News
Landmark Agriculture Bill Now Law in Virginia
New Law Reaffirms the Right to Farm and Grants Freedom from Government Overreach
PARIS, VA—July 1, 2014—The bill, HB 268 (SB 51), becomes law in Virginia today, protecting certain activities at agricultural operations from local regulation. This statewide non-partisan legislation was driven by grassroots organizations and individuals in
FDA Driving Illinois Raw Milk Regulations
UPDATE: Proposed Regulations Published Sep. 5 – See Action Alert
Next month, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is scheduled to introduce in the Illinois Register proposed regulations on the production and sale of raw milk in the state–regulations that a number of Illinois raw milk producers believe could put them out of business.
Two Federal “Raw Milk Freedom” Bills Introduced
Another Crack at the Ban
WASHINGTON, DC—(March 27, 2014)—Congressman Massie (R–KY), Chellie Pingree (D–ME) and a bipartisan coalition of 18 other lawmakers introduced legislation on March 26 to improve consumer food choices and to protect local farmers from federal interference. The two bills—the “Milk Freedom of Act of 2014” and the “Interstate Milk Freedom Act of 2014”—are the first in a series of “food freedom” bills that
Farm Bill Victories Worth Celebrating
It’s official, the Agricultural Act of 2014 (a.k.a. the Farm Bill – HR 2642; now Public Law 113-79) was signed into law on February 7, 2014 after more than two years of congressional debate. Not surprisingly, the bulk of the Farm Bill continues the same programs that favor large-scale, chemical-intensive, mono-cropping and commodity agriculture; however, there there is also some good news.
There are gains on these specific issues raised in various