Last week I finished the book “Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell (admittedly, while I was laying on a beach over Memorial Day weekend). I read “Outliers” last summer and “Blink” several years go and I think Gladwell’s books make for a thought-provoking quick read. The premise of the book is about how the “little things” can make a big difference …
Helping Your Children Survive a Divorce
I recently came across this Parent’s Handbook from the New York State Parent Education and Awareness Program. If you are currently going through a divorce or separation with children, I recommend reviewing the handbook. I especially liked the section in the handbook when it talks about the emotional effects of children in different age groups. I am not a parent …
So What Exactly is “Sustainable Agriculture?”
Sustainability has been a big buzz word in agriculture over the last few years – but what does it mean? In preparation for this presentation that I gave earlier this month, I found the “legal definition” of “sustainable agriculture” here. Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 3103, “sustainable agriculture” means an “integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific …
An Overview of State Laws Prohibiting Undercover Video Surveillance
The agriculture community has faced problems with animal welfare organizations using undercover videos that are sensationalizing alleged acts of animal cruelty on livestock operations. Larger livestock farmers using conventional production practices and concentrated animal feeding operations are at greater risk. Due to the media attention from these undercover videos, several states have developed legislation aimed to proscribe undercover video surveillance …
Missed the Local Food CLE? Don’t Worry, You Can Get the Recording
Last Thursday I moderated a fantastic local food law CLE (i.e., “Continuing Legal Education”). The faculty worked hard putting together substantive materials for the attendees including relevant ancillary materials (such as this, this, and this). If you missed the live webinar, you can purchase the CLE from the American Bar Association’s (“ABA”) webstore here. Though the CLE was directed to …
Internship Programs Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
Summer is around the corner.. and ’tis the season for unpaid interns! I recently came across this helpful factsheet from the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, on internship programs under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). The factsheet clearly defines the test that is used for determining whether the “trainee” test for interns is satisfied so that …
Will be Presenting at the 2012 Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit
I will be speaking at the 2012 Animal Agriculture Alliance (“AAA”) Stakeholders Summit next month in Washington, D.C. on livestock animal welfare law. More specifically, I will be presenting on May 3rd during the “Legal Workshop” part of the program. The title of the presentation is “When Activists Come Calling – Know Your Rights.” I will give an overview of …
Watch the Livestream of the American Agri-Women Mid-Year Meeting
Yesterday, I enjoyed watching the livestream of the American Agri-Women(“AAW”) Mid-Year Meeting in Nebraska City, Nebraska (between Omaha and Lincoln). Today is the last day of the mid-year meeting. If you are a member of the agriculture community, I recommend taking some time todayto watch the livestream! I think it is great that food and agriculture organizations, like AAW, are making video livestreams …
Proud Business Sponsor of the Long Island Small Farm Summit
Rincker Law, PLLC is a proud “Friend of the Farmer” business sponsor for the Long Island Small Farm Summit scheduled on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Hofstra University. The event has a great agenda chalk full of valuable educational workshops ranging from business planning, direct consumer marketing, laws affecting the local food movement, and “Neighbor-Supported Agriculture.” The afternoon has practical …
Giving New Life to the Term “Spring Cleaning” – Does Your Farm or AgriBusiness Have a Scanner?
I have to give a shout-out to a small little machine that has made a big difference to my life and law practice — the Fujitsu ScanSnap S1500M. In preparation of my move to my new office space at 535 Fifth Avenue, I spent the weekend scanning files and documents. I purchased this Bad Boy a few months ago and …
Save The Date: Local Food Law CLE
With my work as the Chair of the ABA General Practice, Solo & Small Firm Division’s Agriculture Law Committee, I will be moderating a local food law CLE on May 10, 2012 from 2-4pm. The purpose of this CLE webinar is to give the practitioner the tools necessary to properly counsel various segments of the local food movement. You do …
Will Be Attending the Second Annual New York Agri-Women Meeting & Agri-Tour
I am especially excited for the Second Annual Meeting & Agri-Tour of New York Agri-Women around the corner. Please check out itinerary for the Annual Meeting here and the agri-tour schedule in the Hudson Valley here. You can register for both events by competing this form and sending it my way. You can find directions to the Hyatt in Riverhead, …