Category Archives: Agriculture Law

The Associated Press reported this week that, “North Carolina lawmakers are making it harder for neighbors of agribusinesses to file complaints about smells and other nuisances. “Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed the wide-ranging farm bill, which contains language sought by pork producers after numerous lawsuits. “The Senate overrode the veto on Tuesday; the House did… Continue Reading

JoAnna Klein reported yesterday at The New York Times Online that, “Cities are filled with buildings, people and concrete — usually not seen as the ideal place for anything wild but nightlife. “But then there are the bumblebees of London. They may be faring better than their relatives in the English countryside, suggests a study… Continue Reading

Bloomberg writer Lydia Mulvany reported last week that, “A group representing American farmers is partnering with an agricultural adviser to help promote more large-scale organic farms that produce corn and soybeans, the largest U.S. crops. “Farmer’s Business Network, Inc., which shares best-practices and data among thousands of growers, is investing in Arlington, Nebraska-based AgriSecure, according to… Continue Reading

A news release yesterday from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSAS) stated that, “[USDA] is sending acreage history and yield reports to agricultural producers with generic base acres covered by the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. This information will help producers decide the best options for how… Continue Reading

Des Moines Register writer Stephen Gruber-Miller reported late last week that, “Iowa can shield large animal feeding operations from lawsuits brought by neighbors who say they are no longer able to enjoy their property, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Friday. “The shield law is a valid use of the state’s power to pass laws that promote public health and… Continue Reading

A news release today from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) stated that, “[USDA’s FNS] today announced $5.2 million in grant awards to bring nutritious, local foods into schools and create new economic opportunities for farmers. The grants, part of the USDA Farm to School Program, will impact over 6,000… Continue Reading

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has declared June 19 – June 25 as National Pollinator Week. A recent update from Justin Fritscher, of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service noted that, “Did you know what’s good for bees, butterflies and other pollinators can also be good for your bottom line? Through a variety of USDA conservation programs, farmers… Continue Reading

The Associated Press reported yesterday that, “Hundreds of citizen scientists have begun buzzing through locations across the Pacific Northwest seeking a better understanding about nearly 30 bumblebee species. “Bumblebees, experts say, are important pollinators for both wild and agricultural plants, but some species have disappeared from places where they were once common, possibly because of… Continue Reading

The Associated Press reported yesterday that, “North Carolina legislators have finalized tougher restrictions upon neighbors of hog farms seeking to sue for damages because of the stench and other nuisances coming from industrial-scale livestock operations. “The state Senate agreed Thursday night by a 32-9 vote to accept House changes to legislation spurred on by the… Continue Reading