I thought it would be helpful to educate my readers on the government agencies that affect the food and agriculture system in the United States. I will be going through the various agencies one by one. So please stay tuned! The U.S. Forest Service (“FS”) is a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and overseen by the Under …
My Presentation on Livestock Judging
This is no April Fool’s Day Joke. I know that this is a food and agriculture law blog but I figured some of my readers might be interested on my presentation on how to judge livestock – specifically, beef cattle, swine, and meat sheep. I judged competitively at Lake Land College and Texas A & M University in undergrad and …
Listen to Me Talk Divorce & Divorce Mediation on the Russ Terry Show
I had a great time talking divorce and divorce mediation on Monday night on the Russ Terry Show: Live Your Best Life. You can listen to the hour show on dealing with divorce here. Want some quick and dirty tips instead? Listen to Russ Terry’s debrief with 5 Tips for Dealing with Divorce here. Share this Article
Overview of Common Estate Planning Documents for Farms
Despite popular belief, the succession and estate planning process is more than just getting a Last Will and Testament – it’s taking a solid look at your estate planning goals and coming up with a plan that works for you and your family farm (no matter the size). I think it’s really important for family farms to “improve the default …
Pace Law School’s Environmental Law Summer Program with Food and Agriculture Law
As I noted in this post, I will be teaching Survey to Food and Agriculture Law this summer from July 1-5, 2013 at Pace University, School of Law. I wanted to give my readers information on the entire environmental law program. After looking at the entire course schedule, I’m in aw of the great job that my alum has done. …
Interested in Starting an Agriculture or Environmental Law Practice?
I will be joining Natara Feller, an energy lawyer, on April 9, 2013 to discuss starting an agriculture or environmental law practice. The “Quick Teleconference” is hosted by the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (“SEER”) Special Committee on Young Lawyers and the Special Committee on Law Students. The Quick Teleconference is free for SEER members …
Guest Appearance on the Russ Terry Show: Dealing with Divorce
I will be making a guest appearance on the Russ Terry Show on March 25, 2013 from 9-9:30pm. Russ is a Life Coach in the Greater New York City area and his Blog Talk Radio Show has different themes each week. On the 25th, Russ will be getting down and dirty with the “D” word (“and I don’t mean Dallas”). …
Contract Management for the Food or Agri-Business
I have been working on a contract management spreadsheet for a agri-business client of mine over the last month or so. I think this is a healthy exercise for all food and agri-businesses, no matter the size. It’s a nice way to understand who the company has contracts with, including Non-Disclosure/ Confidentiality Agreements with (potential) customers or employees/independent contractors. When …
My Presentation on Local Food Law at Pace Law School
I gave the below presentation at Pace Law School last night. It was great being back at my alma mater. The recording is available for purchase from Pace Law School’s CLE program. Jason Foscolo handled the first part of the presentation speaking on direct marketing, food labeling, the Food Safety Modernization Act and raw milk. I touch upon several other …
Quick Summary of Trademarks for Farms, Agri-Businesses and Food Entrepreuners
Over the last year I have received numerous inquires from farms, agri-businesses and food entrepreneurs about the importance of trademarks and the application process. This post seeks to give a cursory overview of a few common questions that come my way. Trademarks vs. Service Marks Put simply, a trademark is an identifying mark for consumers in connection with particular goods …
Mediator for the New York State Agriculture Mediation Program (NYSAMP)
Since completing the mediation apprenticeship program with the New York Peace Institute, my Community Dispute Resolution Center (“CDRC”) in Manhattan and Brooklyn, I have been admitted to the roster of mediators for the New York State Agriculture Mediation Program (“NYSAMP”). NYSAMP works with the CDRC’s in each country throughout New York to provide free mediation services for the New York …
Save the Date: Food Labeling Webinar
I will be moderating a food labeling Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar for the American Bar Association (“ABA”), General Practice, Solo and Small Firm’s Division’s Agriculture Law Committee titled “Counseling Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs, and Restaurants on Food Labeling Law.” Faculty members include Dr. Stan Benda, Jason Foscolo, Alan Fowler, Erin Hawley, Leon Letter, Lindsey Peebles, Amy Salberg, and Jean Terranova. The live webinar will last from 2-4pm ET …