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.
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.
June 17, the Next Battle of Yorktown!
Fighting for Property Rights in York County
The American Revolution effectively ended with the surrender of British troops at Yorktown in 1781, liberating thirteen sovereign states from the tyranny of rule without representation. Now the York County Board of Supervisors is poised to usurp the property rights of
LA Lakers Eat Grass-Fed: An Interview with Cate Shanahan, Nutritionist for the Lakers
Joe Salama, attorney and author of The Paleo Miracle, interviewed Cate Shanahan, M.D., the nutritionist for the L.A. Lakers basketball team. Dr. Cate Shanahan promotes fats from pastured animals while FTCLDF promotes farmers who raise those animals!
What do you do for the Lakers?
We operate on several levels so answering the question is a little complicated but the basics are that the Lakers now have a program called
Play It Forward: View Unacceptable Levels to Help FTCLDF and Learn About Toxins!
Rent or purchase Unacceptable Levels. It’s a story about the chemicals in our bodies, how they got there, and what we can do about it.
Films like this raise awareness, change consumer buying patterns and can ultimately be part of the solution (e.g., protecting small-scale, eco-friendly farming). FTCLDF also raises awareness, changes consumer buying patterns (farm to consumer).
Indiana Governor Signs Poultry and Egg Bill
On March 26, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed Senate Bill 179 (SB 179), a bill that expands on-farm poultry processing in the state as well as frees up poultry and egg sales from local and state regulation. The new law takes effect July 1, 2014.
State Senator Jim Banks (R-Columbia City) was the
Brown Case Before Maine Supreme Court
On May 13, Blue Hill dairy farmer Dan Brown will have his case heard by the Maine Supreme Court. Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund General Counsel Gary Cox will be arguing Brown’s case before the Court. Brown is appealing a lower court ruling finding him guilty on three counts for violations of Maine’s food and dairy code. Argument is
Episode 16: Protecting Local Foods
Episode 16 of the Food Rights Hour podcast is about protecting local foods. During this episode, our guest host, Michelle Ray, speaks with traditional foods teaching chef, Monica Corrado; Farmageddon filmmaker, Kristin Canty; and FTCLDF President, Pete Kennedy, Esq. Learn what the guests have to say about how FTCLDF helps local food communities
State Raw Milk Bills – 2014 Update
It’s been another busy session for raw milk legislation in the state legislatures. A number of bills have been introduced that would legalize or expand raw milk sales or distribution. No legislation has passed yet, but there is still a chance in several states where