I am a panelist next month in Tennessee and “Agritourism, CSA’s and Direct to Consumer Sales.” This outline was prepared for this panel. It contains both New York and Tennessee nuances. It discusses statistics re local food from the USDA Census of Agriculture and delves into Community Supported Agriculture, Farmers’ Markets, Agrotourism, Volunteer Farm Labor and Employment Law, On-Farm Poultry Slaughter, …
Free CLE: Counseling the Local Food Movement (Part One)
I gave this presentation to Lawline last Thursday. It was the first part of a two part series on “Counseling the Local Food Movement.” I discussed the history of direct farm marketing, current trends, cottage food operations (i.e., home based food processing), liability and insurance. You can listen to my presentation and get a FREE CLE by clicking here. …
Legal Structure of Farmers’ Markets
Kudos to Erin Kee and Jason Foscolo for co-authoring this substantive article on the the choices of entities for farmers’ markets. I’m teaching the undergraduate food law course at New York University this semester. Today, I am lecturing on direct farm marketing and local food law. Erin and Jason’s article was included in the “recommended reading” for today’s lecture. I …
Grow NYC Report on Greenmarket Farmers: “Farmers on the Edge”
Last month, I had an opportunity to visit with someone at Grow NYC (who runs Greenmarket), who shared this report with me (funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation): “Farmers on the Edge: An Assessment of Greenmarket Farmers’ Needs, and the Growing Challenges of Keeping Their Farms Viable.” I finally had an opportunity to review the report in detail. It …
So What Exactly Is “Big Ag?”
I spoke last month on sustainability in “Big Agriculture.” It got me thinking. What exactly is “Big Agriculture?” How do we define what is or is not “Big Ag?” And when did it become a bad name? Is it whether a farm is owned by a family or a corporation? 97% of farms are family owned. What if shareholders of …
Last Day to Register for Local Food CLE
Don’t forget that tomorrow I will be moderating a local food law CLE for the American Bar Association (“ABA”) General Practice, Solo & Small Firm (“GP Solo”) Division’s Agriculture Law Committee titled “Counseling the Local Food Movement: What a Practitioner Should Know” discussing procurement laws for local food, direct farm marketing (farmers markets, CSA’s), Food Safety Modernization Act exemptions, Cottage …
Law Student Discount for Upcoming Local Food Law CLE
Hey law students- great news! I just found out that the American Bar Association (“ABA”) is awarding law students who need financial assistance a special discounted rate of $25 to attend this upcoming CLE titled “Counseling the Local Food Movement: What A Practitioner Should Know” scheduled on Thursday, May 10th from 2-4pm ET. You can register online for the CLE …
Revised Itinerary: New York Agri-Women Reception and Tour (June 16-18th)
In just a quick seven days there will be agriculture women from all over the country here in New York City celebrating New York agriculture and the creation of New York Agri-Women, a state affilate of American Agri-Women (@Women4Ag). Even though it is too late to RSVP for the Port of Entry Tour, please let me know if you are interested …
Monday Links
It’s been a long time since I have posted a blog full of links to the work of other agriculture and legal bloggers — I have had a very hectic spring. It’s a beautiful day here New York City. Having some quality time with my coffee and catching up on blogs via Google Reader this morning and then taking a long walk/run around …
New York Agri-Women To Host Reception and Tours in NYC June 16-18th
I’m very excited to announce details of the first annual reception and New York agriculture spotlight hosted by the New York Agri-Women on June 16-18th. Several representatives from the national organization American Agri-Women (“AAW”) (@Women4Ag) will be zippng up to NYC after their annual legislative efforts on Capitol Hill. New York Agri-Women is the new state affiliate of AWW and we’re …
Get Ready For A Food Fight: Thank a Farmer Week
Several agriculture commodity groups, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (“NCBA”), are joining forces this week in a “food fight” against mainstream media for attacking modern agriculture production. As noted in this blog, I strongly believe that U.S. agriculture should be viewed as part of the food security solution and Americans need to support the people who work hard to …