A threat to Maryland producers of raw pet milk quietly went away on November 28 when the state Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Bartenfelder sent out a letter to interested parties stating that the Maryland Department
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund Foundation Launched
Falls Church, VA—October 27, 2016—The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund Foundation (FTCLDFF) a 501(c)(3) sister organization to the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) has begun operations. The main purpose of FTCLDFF is
Mark Baker Running for Sheriff
When heritage breed hog farmer Mark Baker was going through his four-year battle against the state of Michigan over his challenge to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Invasive Species Order
Rule on Key FSMA Definition Final
On July 14, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule amending federal regulations on the registration of food facilities with FDA. The final rule, which went into effect September 12, includes an
A Tale of Two Cows
A year or so ago, I decided to experience firsthand the difference between the local, regional, self-sufficient food system, and the industrial, commodity, corporate one. We had a set of cows that needed to be moved on from
Will USDA Break Food Freedom’s Back in Wyoming? Don’t Bet On It
On September 21st, agents of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), who refused to identify themselves to some of the people present, appeared at a Wyoming farmers market to inspect vendors and forced
West Virginia Emergency Herdshare Rules
West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick filed final emergency rules governing herdshare operations on August 26. The emergency regulations are in effect for 15 months at which point the state
FTCLDF Member Bavuso Before Virginia Supreme Court Again
On September 15 at 9:00 a.m. the Virginia Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the case of York County Board of Supervisors et al. v. Bavuso, marking the second time in three years that oyster farmer and Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund member Anthony Bavuso will
Decline in U.S. Slaughterhouse Numbers Continues
On April 20, 2016, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) published its 2015 Livestock Slaughter Summary; the data indicates further deterioration of U.S. slaughterhouse infrastructure. The total number of
RNC Keeps Junk Food on the Table
The sham known as the DARK Act was an ugly reminder about who controls food policy in this country. Virginia farmer and activist Bernadette Barber provides details on who the players are and how they operate.