Category Archives: Agriculture Law

Amy Harmon reported late last week at The New York Times Online that, “The United States Department of Agriculture has proposed new guidelines for labeling foods that contain genetically modified ingredients. Food makers will be required by federal law to use the labels, starting in 2020. “The safety of genetically modified ingredients, widely known as G.M.O.s,… Continue Reading

A news release last week from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) stated that, “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the [USDA’s FSA]. In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network… Continue Reading

Kristen Leigh Painter reported recently at the Minneapolis Star Tribune Online that, “General Mills became a food giant by pioneering ideas to get people in and out of the kitchen more quickly. Now, it has moved to the front lines of an agricultural movement it didn’t start. “A series of investments in recent months for… Continue Reading

A news release yesterday from the Senate Ag Committee stated that, “U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., joined Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., today to introduce legislation that expands support for military veterans in agriculture. The Farmer Veteran Opportunity Act of 2018 makes all new veterans eligible for support… Continue Reading

Stephen Babcock reported this week at Technically Baltimore Online that, “Gotham Greens announced plans Tuesday to build a hydroponic greenhouse at Tradepoint Atlantic, the 3,100-acre development that formerly housed the Bethlehem Steel mill in Sparrows Point. “The 100,000 sq. ft. facility, which the company plans to open in 2019, will grow leafy greens and herbs… Continue Reading

The Associated Press reported this week that, “President Donald Trump will allow year-round sales of renewable fuel with blends of 15 percent ethanol as part of an emerging deal to make changes to the federal ethanol mandate. “Republican senators and the White House announced the deal Tuesday after a closed-door meeting, the latest in a… Continue Reading

The Associated Press reported yesterday that, “A Maine congressman says he plans to go forward with a proposal to include frozen and canned foods in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program despite criticism from the program’s founder. “The proposal by Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin is part of the federal Farm Bill that’s wending its… Continue Reading

MacKenzie Elmer reported earlier this week at The Des Moines Register Online that, “The Des Moines City Council put a proposition to ban roosters on hold after urban farmers cried fowl Monday night. “The city’s chief humane officer suggested the change due to complaints over the crowing birds. After hearing arguments both for and against… Continue Reading

Des Moines Register writer MacKenzie Elmer reported recently that, “Des Moines leaders on Monday will consider a ban on keeping roosters within the city limits. “Sgt. Jim Butler, the city’s animal control officer, said the crowing birds are causing ‘a big problem’ for Des Moines neighbors. But residents with backyard hen houses say roosters provide necessary protection… Continue Reading

Omaha World-Herald writer Paul Hammel reported recently that, “At least one legal expert expects a lawsuit to be filed in connection with last Sunday’s fatal accident that occurred in a curtain of dust near the Hampton exit on Interstate 80. “About 30 vehicles were involved in the chain-reaction crash, about 120 miles west of Omaha…. Continue Reading