NY Agric. & Mkts § 300 et seq. sets forth agricultural districts in the State of New York. “The socio-economic vitality of agriculture in this state is essential to the economic stability and growth of many local communities and the state as a whole. It is, therefore, the declared policy of the state to conserve, protect and encourage the development …
NY Ag Lien: Truckman’s Lien
Under Section 187 of NY Lien Law, every person or entity engaged in “carting or trucking property shall have a lien upon such property and may retain such portion of the property in his possession” to help ensure payment for the truckman or drayman. See N.Y. Lien Law § 187[1]. Possession of the property is required for this lien. Please …
Happy Fourth Year Anniversary to this Blog (and my law practice)
I hope my readers had a great Fourth of July. I just got back from the Berkshires. You can see some of my pictures on Instagram. Back to business.. I had a great first, second, and third anniversary for this blog, but I have to say – Year 4 has been the best. Thank you for support from my blog …
Overview of USDA Agriculture Marketing 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 really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy. The …
Protect Your Livestock Brand with Trademarks
I’m excited about the upcoming Fourth of July break. I’m heading up to Massachusetts for some R & R in the Berkshires. I recently wrote this article on trademark protection for livestock operations. You should take a moment and read it beachside or over a Fourth of July BBQ. Happy Fourth!
Overview of the USDA Economic Research 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 really is. It’s a game of Who’s Who for government players in the U.S. food and agriculture economy. 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 …
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 …
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, …
I am Thankful for… My Agricultural Roots
I hope all my readers had a nice Thanksgiving holiday filled with good food, good friends & family and good memories. Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite holidays of the year. I hope all my readers remembered to give #foodthanks to the people who toil the land and made our Thanksgiving meal (and every other meal) possible. This past …
Save the Date: Local Food Law Seminar at Pace Law School on October 29th
I’m excited to announce that I will be a faculty member for a Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) seminar at Pace University, School of Law (my alum) on Monday October 29th, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:30pm titled “Survey of Local Food.” Just as the title indicates, the speakers will be presenting on a myriad of practice areas affecting the local food …
So What Are Some of Your “Food Rules?”
Hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July! I just finished Michael Pollan’s book “Food Rules.” It’s an extremely quick read. I agreed with some and disagreed with others. It got me thinking: what are some of the “food rules” that my readers use? When I interned with the American Simmental Association (“ASA”) in Bozeman, Montana many moons ago, Dr. …