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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Drafting Embryo Transfer Contracts for Livestock Producers
I will be speaking at the Texas Bar CLE Agriculture Law Conference on May 23-24, 2013 at Texas Tech University, School of Law on drafting embryo transfer contracts for livestock producers. I will also (very briefly) touch on artificial insemination, ultrasound, suggested sales terms from livestock breed associations, cloning, and a few other cutting edge topics affecting the seedstock livestock …
Employment and Labor Law for Farms and Ranches
I’m super excited for this upcoming webinar that I’m moderating next week on employment and labor law for farms and ranches. The faculty have put together outstanding materials for the attendees. The webinar is open to the general public. Lawyers will be able to obtain CLE credit. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to register to reserve …