I’m super excited to be heading back to the Midwest in June – I will be presenting at the Ohio Agriculture Law Symposium June 23-24, 2013 at Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, Ohio. On Sunday, June 23, 2013, I will be discussing “Strategies for Developing and Retaining Farm and Agri-Business Clients” along with the great Allen Olson from the Law …
Overview of USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service
I’m currently conducting a blog series where each week I give an overview of the responsibilities of a government agency regulating our food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful reminder for everyone on just how complex our regulatory system is. It’s a game of Who’s Who in U.S. food and agriculture. The Foreign Agriculture Service (“FAS”) is the …
Using Social Media to be an Advocate for Agriculture
I developed the below presentation for the Oneida County, New York 4-H program a few weeks ago. The below presentation includes primarily screenshots illustrating use of social media to “tell the story” of agriculture to the American consumer. It’s been a few years since I have had a “Blogroll” – the presentation notes several nice blogs from agriculture producers, including …
New York Ag Lien For Service of Stallions or Bulls
Are you owed money from the service of a stallion or bull to another horse or cattle breeder? If you’re in New York, then this post is for you. Under Section 160 of NY Lien Law, the “owner of a stallion or bull shall have a lien on each mare or cow served together with the foal or calf of …
Overview of the Farm Service Agency and its Farm Loan Programs
As noted a few weeks ago, I’m currently doing a blog series on government agencies affecting our nation’s food and agriculture system. I think it’s a helpful exercise to know who the players are and what each agency is does. The Farm Service Agency (“FSA”) reports to the Under Secretary of the Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services (“FFAS”) of the …
Wedding Bells this Summer? Is a Prenup Right for You?
It’s that time of year again when I get phone calls about prenuptial agreements for summer weddings. Remember, in New York, prenuptial agreements will be enforced so long as the terms are reasonable, both sides are represented by separate lawyers, and there is not duress. To prevent duress, neither party should feel pressure to sign the prenuptial agreement because of …
Register for the Upcoming Food Labeling CLE to Help Counsel Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs and Restaurants
I’m super excited about an upcoming Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) webinar that I will be moderating for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s (“GPSolo”) Agriculture Law Committee next month on food labeling law for farmers, food entrepreneurs and restaurants. We will be covering a lot of information in this 2 hour webinar and hope …
Overview of the Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (“NRCS”) is another sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). NRCS was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It administers conservation programs to help preserve our natural resources and environment. It manages several national centers including but not limited to the (1) National Soil Survey Center, (2) National Water and Climate Center, …
My Story on How I Started an Agriculture & Environmental Law Practice
I spoke yesterday to the American Bar Association’s Section on the Environment, Energy and Resources (“SEER”) Special Committee on Young Lawyers. I’m no expert on the subject but the below presentation has “My Story.” For those of you who are in law school or newly admitted attorneys, I encourage you to think about “Your Story.” [slideshare id=17463695&doc=howtostartanag-envirolawpractice-1-130321121011-phpapp01] If you have …
Distance Learning Option Available for Summer Food and Agriculture Law Course at Pace Law School
I just heard some exciting news – the Survey to Food and Agriculture Law Course offered this summer will be available to folks all over the country (and the world, for that matter). Pace Law School will be making the course available with a distant learning option, which will be more convenient for many of you who are on other …
Federal Government Agencies Responsible for Food
Recently, I have been reading through Neal Fortin’s book titled “Food Regulation: Law, Science, Policy & Practice”. Fortin has a helpful chart illustrating the federal government agencies that regulate food. The federal agencies and responsibilities are as follows: Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”): drinking water, pesticide residues Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”): food (excluding meat and poultry), drugs (including both …
Overview of the U.S. Forest Service & Livestock Grazing Permits
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 …