Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund seeks support to meet the growing legal needs of independent farms, ranches, and local artisan and cottage food producers. To improve and increase our services to these producers, we are holding a summer fundraiser. By donating to FTCLDF, you are helping to ensure that . . . Someone picks up […]
Why is a family-owned livestock feed provider being persecuted?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/15/2025 Contact: Alexia Kulwiec, Executive Director [email protected] 773.490.4063 What Happened Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is troubled by actions involving Keely Farms Dairy in Florida. Keely Farms Dairy is licensed as a livestock feed provider by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Yet the Florida Department of Health, not the […]
You Spoke, We Listened: Member Survey Results Revealed
FTCLDF’s mission is to serve our members, who include farmers, ranchers, small businesses, and consumers invested in building resilient food systems. As a member-led organization, our actions and priorities are shaped by their input. Together, we empower producers and expand opportunities for local food across the U.S. Besides working hand-in-hand with our members year-round, we […]
Legislative Update: Progress on Food Freedom Bills
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund monitors, advises, and works to influence hundreds of food freedom bills and policies across the country that align with our mission. We’ve been tracking their progress and engaging with legislators and our members to lend our support to those efforts that seek to expand food freedom. Join us for important policy […]
FTCLDF’s State-by-State Policy Tracker
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund regularly tracks federal, state and local laws and regulations, as it works to change laws to support rather than hinder the ability of smaller, independent producers to grow, produce, and sell food locally in their communities. The current system of food regulation in the United States sorely needs more scale-appropriate regulation. […]
Hotline Blotter: April-June 2025
Our Emergency Hotline consistently ranks as the benefit our members value most. It’s available 24 hours for surprise inspections or short-notice regulatory interruptions of a member’s farm, ranch, or business. Our on-call attorneys can be available by phone during a stressful, unexpected farm inspection or even seizure of product. We provide a Hotline Blotter […]
The Unconstitutional Chicken Ordinance
In October of 2024, one of our members reached out for help with a zoning notice she’d received from her Michigan city. The notice claimed she’d been raising chickens without a permit, violating the city’s chicken ordinance. The notice called for Kathy to remove her chickens from her property. The thing is, Kathy had a […]
U.S. Companies No Longer Required to File BOI Reports with FinCEN
*This is not legal advice. This is general information to educate about the upcoming CTA requirements. As of March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has released an interim final rule stating that U.S. companies and U.S. persons are no longer required to file a beneficial ownership information (BOI) report under the Corporate […]
2025 Membership Drive Is Feb. 1 – Mar. 15: It’s a Great Time to Join!
Have you been thinking about joining our community? It’s a great time to join! If you or someone you love is an independent farmer, rancher, cottage food maker, chef, or concerned consumer, take advantage of all the great discounts, offers, and prizes during our 2025 Membership Drive! TIP: Look for our advertisement in the Stockman […]
A Win for Michigan Right to Farm!
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is pleased to announce an important win on behalf of Michigan Right-to-Farm and FTCLDF members Cottonwood Farm/Morningstar Ventures, LLC. In an ongoing legal battle, the Michigan Appellate Court ruled in favor of Morningstar Ventures, LLC that the case is entitled to a Right-to-Farm defense. The matter involves a Washtenaw County […]