I want to commend the Cornell Small Farms Program for its publication titled “On-Farm Poultry Slaughter Guidelines” (available on its resources page). I reviewed the guide in its entirety in preparation for the local food CLE that was scheduled at Pace Law School in October (rescheduled for March 13th due to Hurricane Sandy). I recommend the guide to any farmer …
Questions Farmers Should Ask When Reading Farmers’ Market Rules
As noted in my last post, I have enjoyed reading Prof. Neil Hamilton’s publication titled “Farmers’ Markets: Rules, Regulations and Opportunities.” He includes a nice list of questions for farmers/vendors to ask themselves when reviewing the Market Rules for a particular farmers’ market which include: (1) Who sponsors the farmers’ market? (2) How long as the farmers’ market been established? …
Local Food Law CLE at Pace Law School Rescheduled for Spring
The Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) seminar at Pace Law School giving a “Survey of Local Food Law” in New York has been rescheduled for Wednesday, March 13, 2013. It was originally scheduled for October 29th — the day Hurricane Sandy decided to pay a visit to the East Coast. I hope that you will plan to attend the adjourned spring …
Ask Cari: “When Can I Obtain an Order of Protection in NY Family Court?”
Family Court and Supreme Court has concurrent jurisdiction on family offenses. An indigent person may receive court-appointed representation in Family Court if they are under a certain income threshold. Family Offenses are crimes; therefore, Criminal Court also has jurisdiction over family offenses. In order for one party to bring a family offense petition in Family Court, one of the following …
New York Office of Community Gardens
While reading this publication, I was reminded about the New York Office of Community Gardens with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets. Pursuant to NY Ag & Mkts Article 2-C, Section 31-h, the duties of the office are as follows: (1) identify vacant public land suitable for community gardens; (2) coordinate interested community groups with appropriate state or local …
Ask Cari: “Can I Leave the Marital Home Before the Divorce is Commenced?”
I am frequently asked this question during divorce consultations. There is a fear out there due to the law of abandonment that a spouse will hurt his/her legal position in a divorce if he/she vacates the marital home before the divorce is commenced. “Actual abandonment” is still a ground for divorce in the state of New York; however, the departure …
New York Law on “Cottage Food Operations” (or Home Processed Food)
One of the several topics that I will be covering on October 29th at this seminar at Pace Law School will be New York Cottage Food Operation Law (i.e., Home Processed Food or Home-Based Kitchens). I want to stress that the seminar is open to the general public (only $15) so I highly encourage my readers in New York to …
Starting a Mobile Food Business?
I love entrepreneurs, especially food and agriculture entrepreneurs. I was reading this publication last week and enjoyed its discussion on mobile food businesses, which are taking off in metropolitan areas like New York City. Mobile food businesses are more than just food trucks– it can include mobile farmers markets, mobile grocery stores, and produce carts. Mobile food businesses have the …
Registration Form Available for Local Food Law Seminar at Pace Law School
The registration form is available for the Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) Seminar at Pace Law School in White Plains, New York on Monday, October 29th on a survey of local food law. It is open to the public and the general admission is only $15. There will be approximately 20 minutes or so of Q & A so come ready …
How to Calculate Temporary Spousal Maintenance in New York
Temporary spousal maintenance is money paid from the higher-earning spouse to the lesser-earning spouse. It is typically applied during the pendency of the divorce but it can also be used as a guideline when a couple is married for relief in Family Court. I have received a lot of phone calls lately from folks whose spouse decides to cut them …
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 …
New York Farm Animal Welfare Law
I have updated my New York Farm Animal Welfare Law Outline and you can view it now on JD Supra. I highly recommend that livestock producers in New York have a general understanding of these statutes. I highly recommend that every single farm in the state of New York have a good working relationship an attorney, veterinarian and Cornell University …