The Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance led a coalition that we were a part of in 2010, which convinced Congress to exempt small, direct-marketing farmers from the new rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). But now that the rules are being implemented by the states, the Texas…
ACT NOW: Support the Interstate Milk Freedom Act!
On December 12, 2019, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced the Interstate Milk Freedom Act. Please call your House Representative and tell him/her why you care about this legislation.
TAKE ACTION: USDA’s Proposed Changes Could Hurt Small Beef Processors!
Under the new proposal, FSIS would take the same number of samples from a small facility that processes 50,000 pounds/day as from a large facility that processes a million or more pounds of product per day. Act now to protect small beef processors! Deadline to submit comments is Dec. 27…
FTCLDF and Member File Raw Butter Lawsuit
This week, the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) and one of its members, Mark McAfee of Organic Pastures Dairy, filed suit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. Our lawsuit seeks to force…
Things I Wish I Knew Before Beginning to Farm
Over the last few months, we have collected responses from our members and supporters about aspects of farming that they wish they would have known about before they began their journey.
Farm Bill Update
The 2018 Farm Bill has been passed by Congress and signed by the President. This massive piece of legislation covers a diverse mix of government programs, everything from environmental protection, farm subsidies, food safety, international trade, and food stamps.
FSMA Deadlines: Are You a “Food Facility”?
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…