After nearly a decade of congressional debates, regulatory wrangling, and implementation delays, the deadline for compliance of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is now approaching. Thanks to organizations (like FTCLDF!) working for small farmers, artisan producers, and local food consumers, most small-scale producers are exempt from…
Obtaining Raw Milk in Washington, D.C.
In some states, it is especially difficult for residents to legally obtain fresh raw milk. Here is FTCLDF supporter Julia Strzeszkowski’s story about obtaining raw milk in our nation’s capital and why she went through the hassle…
TAKE ACTION: Farm Bill Update
While the House version of the Farm Bill remains in limbo after its defeat on the floor, the Senate is moving ahead with its own version. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) worked together and released a draft bill last…
TAKE ACTION: The Farm Bill
Every five years, Congress passes a Farm Bill—a massive piece of legislation that covers crop subsidies, food stamps, conservation, energy policy on ethanol and renewables, and more. Fundamentally, the Farm Bill is about continuing and promoting the current Agribusiness model, supporting…
TOAST GOODBYE TO THE BUTTER BAN- 2018 Fundraiser
The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund believes consumers have the right to buy products directly from farmers, but the government disagrees. The government has instead chosen to build a veritable wall of laws. These laws prohibit the sale of nutrient-dense foods, torment farmers with unannounced inspections and piles of paperwork, and make it harder for farmers
Dear Congress: Support Local Meat in the Farm Bill
Congress will soon be considering the Farm Bill, so it’s time to tell your Representative to support common-sense regulations for local meat production! High-quality local meat can be hard to find, and one of the main reasons is the shortage of inspected slaughterhouses that are accessible to small farmers in many parts of the country.
What Type of FTCLDF Member Are You?
When we began in 2007, FTCLDF only offered two membership types: Farmer and Consumer. Now, we also offer annual memberships for Homesteaders, Artisan Food Producers, and Affiliate Communities. FTCLDF is committed to helping all of our members nationwide pursue their dreams, from selling nutrient-dense foods from the small
PRIME Act Alert Update: Congressman Collin C. Peterson Signs as Cosponsor
Congressman Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), a ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, is the latest representative to join H.R 2657 as a co-sponsor. Peterson joins original co-sponsors: Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Justin Amash (R-MI), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), John Garamendi (D-CA), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Jared Huffman (D-CA)…
Action Alert: Want local meat? Tell Congress to Pass the PRIME Act
High-quality local meat can be hard to find, and one of the main reasons is the shortage of inspected slaughterhouses that are accessible to small farmers in many parts of the country. Farmers often have to haul their animals several
Feds Admit Harassing Small Montana Meat Plant, But Take No Action
As a boy growing up in Butte, Bart Riley loved spending time at the family business, Riley Meats, on West Park Street. Young Bart and his siblings would help out cleaning the shop after his father was done cutting meat for the day