Showing posts with label Antibiotics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Antibiotics. Show all posts

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—February 21, 2019


Written by: M. Sean High (Staff Attorney)
                 
The following information is an update of recent local, state, national, and international legal developments relevant to agriculture:

WOTUS: Proposed WOTUS Rule Published for Public Comment
On February 14, 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army published notice in the Federal Register of a proposed rule defining the scope of waters federally regulated under the Clean Water Act (84 FR 4154).  With the published notice, members of the public have until April 15, 2019 to submit comments on the proposed definition.  If enacted, the proposal would replace the controversial definition previously issued by the agencies on June 29, 2015.  For more information on the proposed rule, see the EPA’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rulemaking website.  

Pennsylvania Agricultural Policy: Governor Announces “PA Farm Bill”
On February 15, 2019, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced a proposed “PA Farm Bill” designed to provide investment in Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector.  According to Governor Wolf, “[t]he PA Farm Bill allocates $24 million in additional funding to chart a real path for a dynamic and prosperous farming economy in Pennsylvania. It’s about providing more opportunities to our farmers by creating more jobs, more income, and more hope.” The PA Farm Bill seeks to accomplish its goals through: (1) developing new resources for agriculture business development and succession planning; (2) creating more processing capabilities; (3) removing regulatory burdens and strengthening the state’s agricultural business climate; (4) increasing opportunities for Pennsylvania’s agricultural workforce; (5) protecting agricultural infrastructure; and (6) increasing market opportunities and making Pennsylvania the nation’s leading organic state.

Pesticides: Lawsuit Claims Roundup Harmed Home Gardeners Gut Bacteria
On February 13, 2019, Bloomberg reported that a lawsuit has been filed in a Missouri federal court alleging that the healthy gut bacteria of home gardeners were harmed as a result of the pesticide Roundup.  According to the report, the home gardener plaintiffs assert that they were deceived by labels on Roundup which assured consumers that the products were not harmful to humans or pets.  The plaintiffs allege, however, that “Roundup’s active ingredient glyphosate attacks an enzyme also found in the beneficial intestinal bacteria of humans and some animals.” According to Bloomberg, research has linked an unhealthy microbiome to both obesity and depression.

Rural Policy: USDA Issues American Broadband Initiative Milestones Report
On February 13, 2019, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross released the American Broadband Initiative Milestones Report February 2019.  The report provides a vision for how the federal government can increase broadband access; especially in rural America.  Accordingly, the report’s recommendations include: appropriating $600 million for an innovative broadband pilot program; targeting areas of need and providing incentives for state and local policies; leveraging federal assets such as towers, buildings, and land to lower the cost of broadband buildouts; and streamlining federal permitting.

Antibiotics: Report Asserts Worldwide Change in Antibiotic Use in Animals
On February 14, 2019, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) announced a report asserting that global antimicrobial use in animals has declined.  The report presents OIE’s findings from its third annual data collection which analyzed results from 2015 to 2017.  According to OIE, since the last time data was collected, the use of antimicrobials for growth promotion declined from 60 to 45 countries.  OIE stated that 155 countries participated in the organization’s data collection efforts.

From National Ag Law Experts:
“The National Bioengineered GMO Food Disclosure Standard”, Sarah Everhart, Maryland Risk Management Education Blog (February 12, 2019)
“Optimism”, John R Block, Ag/FDA Blog – Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC (February 14, 2019)
“Future of Tax Extender Legislation Uncertain”, Kristine A. Tidgren, The Ag Docket – Iowa State University Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation (February 17, 2019)   

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture:
“Fulton, Clearfield County Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease”

Pennsylvania Legislation:
HB 370: Legislation further providing for purchase of agricultural conservation easements (Reported out of House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, first consideration by House February 20, 2019)
HB 404: Legislation designating “Tree of Heaven” a noxious weed (Reported out of House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, first consideration by House, February 20, 2019)
HB 441: Legislation to allow wind energy on farmland preservation (Reported out of House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, first consideration by House, February 20, 2019)

Pennsylvania Actions and Notices:
Department of Agriculture
“Interstate order of quarantine; tuberculosis testing requirements for importation of cattle, bison, goats or camelids”

Milk Marketing Board
“Hearing and presubmission schedule; milk marketing area No. 2”
“Hearing and presubmission schedule; milk marketing area No. 4”

Penn State Research:
“Penn State Berks center supports spotted lanternfly research” – Penn State News  

AgLaw HotLinks:
“America has a farm labor shortage. We need a better guest worker program” – Los Angeles Times
“'Big data' could help improve livestock resilience” – Feedstuffs
“Food finally features in the climate debate. Now what?” – World Economic Forum
“Germany: Voters abuzz over bee referendum” – Morning AgClips
“Does AI Hold the Key to a New and Improved “Green Revolution” in Agriculture?” – WPSU
“New study: Pesticide levels in children and adults drop dramatically after one week of eating organic” – Friends of the Earth
“Future of US citrus may hinge on consumer acceptance of genetically modified food” – Science Daily       

Stay Informed:
Listen to our weekly Agricultural Law Podcast
Read our monthly Agricultural Law Brief newsletter     
Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (@AgShaleLaw) to receive daily AgLaw HotLinks
Connect with us on Facebook to view our weekly CASL Ledger detailing Center publications and activities
Visit The Ag & Food Law Blog for a comprehensive summary of daily judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food

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Thursday, November 9, 2017

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—November 9, 2017

Written by M. Sean High—Staff Attorney
                 
The following information is an update of recent local, state, national, and international legal developments relevant to agriculture:
                                
FSMA: FDA Issues Guidance Giving More Time to “Co-Manufactures”  
On November 3, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  announced guidance intended to provide certain “co-manufactures” of food with more time to meet FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) supplier approval and verification requirements.  Under FSMA, regulations for the Preventive Controls for Human Foods, the Preventive Controls for Animal Food, and the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs each require a supply-chain program for certain raw materials and other ingredients.  According to FDA, the purpose of the guidance is to assist those involved in co-manufacturing agreements which involve a second party manufacturing or processing food for a brand owner.  FDA stated that under the guidance, the agency “does not intend to take enforcement action for two years against a co-manufacturer that is not in compliance with certain supply-chain program requirements related to supplier approval and supplier verification.”

Biotechnology: USDA Withdraws Proposed Revisions to Biotechnology Regulations
On November 6, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service announced a withdrawal of a proposed rule intended to revise the agency’s biotechnology regulations.  According to USDA, following the withdrawing of the proposed rule, the agency will explore policy alternatives and “re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health.” Regarding the decision to re-examine the biotechnology regulations, USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue asserted a need for a balanced regulatory process that does not restricting innovation. The Secretary stated that biotechnology “is evolving every day” and as a result, there is a need for “regulations and policies that are flexible and adaptable to these innovations to ensure food security for the growing population.”

Menu Labeling: FDA Issues Draft Menu Labeling Guidance
In November 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of a draft guidance document entitled: Menu Labeling: Supplemental Guidance for Industry.  Accordingly, the document: (1) addresses concerns that have been raised by stakeholders regarding implementation of the menu labeling requirements; (2) clarifies additional options for complying with the menu labeling requirements; and (3) identifies places where FDA intends to be more flexible in its approach.  The document contains nonbinding recommendations and is intended for comment purposes only.  Comment on the document is scheduled to end 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

International Trade: U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Duty on Softwood Lumber from Canada
On November 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a final determination regarding the antidumping and countervailing duty investigations of softwood lumber imports from Canada.  According to the Commerce Department, Canadian exporters have been selling softwood lumber in the United States at prices between 3.2% and 8.89% below fair market value.  Additionally, The Commerce Department stated that Canada has been unfairly subsidizing Canadian softwood producers at rates between 3.34% and 18.19%.  As a result, the Commerce Department announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be instructed to collect cash deposits from importers of Canadian softwood lumber at amounts based on the final rates.  

Antibiotics: WHO Calls for End of Antibiotic Use in Healthy Animals
On November 7, 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced recommendations designed to limit antibiotic use in healthy animals.  According to WHO, the over-use of antibiotics in healthy animals has become a contributor to the increased threat of antibiotic resistance.  As a result, WHO recommends that healthy animals should not receive antibiotics for growth promotion.  Additionally, WHO recommends that antibiotic use in healthy animal be limited to the prevention of disease where there has been a diagnosis “in other animals in the same flock, herd, or fish population.” WHO stated that instead of antibiotics, producers should consider improved “hygiene, better use of vaccination, and changes in animal housing and husbandry practices.”


Pennsylvania Actions and Notices
Department of Agriculture


AgLaw HotLinks:


Listen to our new Agricultural Law Podcast by clicking here!

Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (@AgShaleLaw) to receive AgLaw HotLinks

Connect with us on Facebook! Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which details all our publications and activities from the week.

Stay informed with our monthly Agricultural Law Brief located here.


For a comprehensive summary of daily judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food, visit The Ag & Food Law Blog.
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Thursday, October 12, 2017

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—October 12, 2017

Written by M. Sean High—Staff Attorney
                 
The following information is an update of recent local, state, national, and international legal developments relevant to agriculture:

Labor: Agricultural Guestworker Legislation Delayed
On October 4, 2017, Brownfield Ag News reported that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) proposed Agricultural Guestworker Act has experienced a committee dely.  Introduced in the House on October 3, 2017, the offered legislation would create a new agricultural guestworker program for U.S. farmers and ranchers.  Prior to the delay, Chairman Goodlatte’s bill had been scheduled to go to the Judiciary Committee for markups on October 4, 2017.  No rescheduling of the legislation with the Judiciary Committee was announced.  

Labor: Pennsylvania Announces New Agricultural Apprenticeship Program
On October 10, 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) announced the creation an agricultural equipment service technician apprenticeship program.  According to PDA, the program will help students acquire “Jobs that Pay” through the development of “hands-on skills in science, technology, engineering, and math.”  Sponsored by the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association, the program is also intended to resolve anticipated workforce shortfalls resulting from the retirement of more than 1,000 of Pennsylvania’s agricultural equipment service technicians by 2027.    

Food Safety: San Francisco to Require Large Grocery Stores to Disclose Antibiotics in Meat
On October 3, 2017, the San Francisco Examiner reported that the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance requiring that large grocery stores in the city submit annual reports detailing the use of antibiotics in raw meats and poultry products.  According to the ordinance, antimicrobial drugs found in meat and poultry pose an environmental and public health threat by allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to multiply and spread.  The ordinance seeks to reduce this threat by requiring grocery stores operating in the city, which also own or operate 25 or more grocery stores anywhere, to annually report antimicrobial information to the Department of the Environment (Department).  Upon receiving the annual reports, the Department will make public the information through publication on its website.

Labor: California Enacts Legislation to Limit Immigration Enforcement
On October 5, 2017, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law legislation preventing employers from allowing immigration enforcement agents onto the employer’s private business property without a judicial warrant.  Additionally, the law requires that upon receiving notice of an immigration agency inspection of employment records, employers have 72 hours to notify workers of the scheduled inspection.  Failure to follow the law could result in penalties ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for a first violation and from $5,000 to $10,000 for each subsequent violation.

Conservation: USDA to Temporarily Suspend Acceptance of New Conservation Reserve Program Offers
On October 6, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that the agency will temporarily suspend the acceptance of new offers for land enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) until later in the 2018 fiscal year.  According to USDA, the reason for the temporary suspension of new offers is to avoid exceeding CRP’s 24 million acre statutory limit.  USDA did state, however, that except for offers made under the Pollinator Habitat Initiative, the agency will approval all eligible CRP continuous enrollment offers that were extended through Sept. 30, 2017. 

International Trade: USDA Withdraws Changes to Apple and Grape Exporter Reporting
On October 5, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service announced the agency was withdrawing proposed changes to the regulations governing how apple and grape exporters report certificate information.  According to the announcement, the proposed changes would have mandated that apple and grape exporters submit export certification information electronically into the U.S. Census Bureau’s Automated Export System.  Additionally, under the proposed changes, the regulations would have provided for a definition of the term “shipper” and transferred the certificate retention requirement from carriers to shippers.  According to USDA, the decision to withdrawal the proposed changes was based upon public comments received by the agency.
                 
Pennsylvania Legislation
Agricultural and Rural Affairs (S) and Agricultural and Rural Affairs (H)
  • Joint informational meeting to discuss the Spotted Lanternfly, a non-native species with the potential to greatly impact the grape, tree fruit, plant nursery, hops and logging industries; quarantines have been established in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton Counties and there is growing concern regarding its spread (October 18, 2017, Hearing Room 1 North Office Bldg. 9:00 AM)

AgLaw HotLinks:


Listen to our new Agricultural Law Podcast by clicking here!

Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (@AgShaleLaw) to receive AgLaw HotLinks

Connect with us on Facebook! Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which details all our publications and activities from the week.

Stay informed with our monthly Agricultural Law Brief located here.


For a comprehensive summary of daily judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food, visit The Ag & Food Law Blog.
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Thursday, July 20, 2017

Agriculture Law Weekly Review – July 20, 2017

Written by Deanna Smith and Joseph Mooradian – Research Assistants
Antibiotics: Pew Report Provides Information on Alternatives to Animal Antibiotics
On July 10, 2017, The Pew Charitable Trusts published a report entitled Alternatives to Antibiotics in Animal Agriculture, which details ways to “maintain healthy herds and reduce the need for antibiotics.” Since the use of antibiotics has been limited by FDA Guidance 213, the industry will need to find alternative routes to promote healthy herds, a goal the Pew report aims to assist with. Pew’s solutions are wide ranging, including probiotics, antimicrobial peptides, and vaccines, among others. The report also highlights the ways that these alternatives interact, providing information enabling the optimization of animal health-care in the wake of reduced antibiotic use.
National Organic Program: Nature Valley “100% Natural” Lawsuit Dismissed
On July 12, 2017, the U.S. District Court for Minnesota granted a motion to dismiss in a lawsuit brought against General Mills, specifically concerning the company’s Nature Valley brand oat-based food products. The claim concerned the various foods’ “100% Natural” label, with the complaint arguing that, “this claim is misleading, false, and deceptive because Nature Valley Products contain trace amounts of the chemical glyphosate[.]” The Court dismissed the claim on the basis that the plaintiffs failed to state an adequate claim, concluding that the plaintiffs had too broadly construed the “100% Natural” labeling. The Court also stated that, “It would be nearly impossible to produce a processed food with no trace of any synthetic molecule.”
Animal Welfare: House Appropriations Committee Votes on Horse Slaughter Ban
On July 12, 2017, the United States House Committee on Appropriations approved the 2018 Agriculture Appropriations Bill which did not include a ban on using federal funds for horse meat inspections. Earlier that day, the Committee voted to not reinstate the ban on federally funded horse slaughtering in the U.S.. Generally, federal funds are necessary for the running of horse slaughtering facilities because USDA employees must inspect the horses meant for human consumption. This is the second time since the original ban on federally funded horse slaughtering that the Appropriations Committee has left the ban out of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. The first time was in 2011, the same year the General Accountability Office (GAO) released a report titled, “Action Needed to Address Unintended Consequences from Cessation of Domestic Slaughter.” To read more about the history of horse slaughter legislation in the U.S., see this article in The New Food economy.
Industrial Hemp: New York Revises Industrial Hemp Law
On July 12, 2017, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Assembly Bill 8509, which modifies the state’s industrial hemp law. The new bill defines industrial hemp as an agricultural product, establishes an industrial hemp seed certification program, and requires state agencies to collaborate on additional funding for research advancement. During the bill signing, Governor Cuomo remarked that, as a state, New York could find success in the industrial hemp market, and their goal is “to be the nation’s leader in hemp productions.”
National Ag Policy: USDA Releases its Emerging Animal Disease Preparedness Response Plan
On July 14, 2017, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) released its Emerging Animal Disease Preparedness Response Plan. The plan, “outlines a strategy to detect and respond to emerging animal diseases and define the processes that APHIS will use to identify, evaluate, and respond to emerging diseases in animal populations.” The plan has been in the works since July of 2014. APHIS’s plan is a response to the rise in animal diseases over the last several decades, including of such diseases as, “porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, infectious salmon anemia, West Nile virus, and more recently porcine epidemic diarrhea virus.” Of note, APHIS says the document is not intended to remain in its current form in perpetuity, but rather that the plan is a, “living document, which may be updated as infrastructure or policies change.”
Animal Welfare: Perdue Farms Announces Animal Care Improvements
On July 17, 2017, "Perdue Farms announced animal care improvements that have elevated the welfare of its chickens.” This announcement came at the Perdue Farms’ Animal Care Summit, “a gathering of global animal care experts, advocates, researchers, and farmers,” where the company promised to meet criteria outlined in the “Joint Animal Protection Organization Statement on Broiler Chicken Welfare Issues.” The objectives will be incorporated into their own Commitments to Animal Care program, where some of the welfare issues were already being addressed. Some of the new animal welfare practices include giving the chickens more space, exposing them to more light during the day and less light at night, adding windows to chicken houses, moving to controlled atmosphere stunning (CAS), and raising slower growing chickens. To read more about Perdue’s animal welfare updates, see this Meat+Poultry article.


Pesticides: Court Allows Continued Use of Chlorpyrifos

On July 18, 2017 the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied a motion challenging the EPA’s continued use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos. The motion was a challenge brought by the Pesticide Action Network North America and Natural Resources Defense Council (PANNA) and alleged that the EPA’s decision not to ban chlorpyrifos was inadequate. The court held that the motion was “premature” and that any objections to the EPA’s decision “must first be made through the administrative process mandated by statute.” This recent legislation is another chapter to the longer story between the EPA and PANNA. As discussed in the motion, PANNA filed an administrative petition with the EPA in 2007 asking them to ban the use of chlorpyrifos. Frustrated with a lack of response, in 2014 PANNA petitioned the court for an answer to their administrative petition which they were granted. In March of this year, the EPA responded by denying the petition, which is the reason for the current bout in court.
Pennsylvania Legislation


Agriculture and Rural Affairs (Senate)
  • SB792: An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, repealing provisions relating to fertilizer; providing for fertilizer; in soil and plant amendment, further providing for disposition of funds; and, in seed, further providing for disposition of funds. (Re-referred to Appropriations, July 17, 2017)

Environmental Resources and Energy (Senate)
  • SB168: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the potential impact of removing Cambria County from the emissions testing program and report findings and recommendations to the Senate. (Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy, July 14, 2017)
HotLinks:



Listen to our new Agricultural Law Podcast by clicking here!
Follow us on Twitter at Ag & Shale Law (@AgShaleLaw) to receive AgLaw HotLinks
Connect with us on Facebook! Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which details all our publications and activities from the week.
Stay informed with our monthly Agricultural Law Brief located here.
For a comprehensive summary of daily judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food, visit The Ag & Food Law Blog.

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Thursday, June 1, 2017

Agricultural Law Weekly Review - June 1, 2017

Written by Deanna Smith and Joseph Mooradian – Research Assistants

The following information is an update of recent local, state, national, and international legal developments relevant to agriculture:

Animal Welfare: Supreme Court Denies Review of California’s Egg Sales Law
On May 30, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court denied a petition for review of a Ninth Circuit ruling concerning California’s AB 1437, which required eggs sold within the state to conform to California’s animal care standards. Missouri, along with five other states, questioned whether a state may “challenge another State’s commercial regulations on the ground that those regulations violate the Commerce Clause.” The petition came after the Ninth Circuit ruled in California’s favor in November 2016, concluding that the states did not have adequate standing to maintain their claim in court. According to Feedstuffs, the six-state coalition, “estimated a cost of $120 million to remodel laying houses to meet California standards and said the state unfairly imposes burdens on farmers outside its borders.” Denial of the petition means that the California law will stand, although it “does leave the door open for additional challenges,” since the case was decided on the basis of standing, not the content or enforcement of the law.

Antibiotic Use: Maryland Passes Animal Antibiotics Legislation
Maryland recently enacted SB0422 entitled Keep Antibiotics Effective Act of 2017. The new law mandates that antimicrobial drugs for cattle, swine, or poultry may be administered only by a licensed veterinarian and only for the treatment, control, or prevention of a disease or infection, or for surgery or other medical procedures. The legislation became law on May 27, 2017, when Governor Larry Hogan declined to sign or veto the bill. Under the bill, antimicrobial drugs may not be given to cattle, swine, or poultry as part of “a regular pattern” and may not be used “solely for the purpose of promoting weight gain or improving feed efficiency.” Maryland is the second state to regulate antibiotic use on farms through legislation with California being the first to enact legislation imposing stricter regulations than that of the FDA. The act will take effect on October 1, 2017.

National Ag Policy: Perdue Discusses Proposed USDA Budget Cuts
On May 24, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue met with lawmakers at a budget hearing to discuss the proposed USDA budget cuts. According to Food Chemical News, the House Appropriations hearing lasted around two hours, and that subjects discussed included “reductions in staffing levels,” “transferring catfish inspection authority from USDA back over to [the] FDA,” “an 11% proposed cut to the National Organic Program (NOP),” “proposed cuts to USDA food assistance programs,” and whether or not the administration would “toss the ‘Farmer Fair Practices’ GIPSA rules.”

Pesticides: U.S. House Votes to Loosen Restrictions on Pesticides
On May 24, 2017, in a 256-165 vote, the U.S. House passed H.R.953 as a part of the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2017. The bill loosens restrictions on federal pesticide regulations and amends the Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Clean Water Act by prohibiting the EPA or states from requiring permits under the Clean Water Act if the pesticide is already approved under FIFRA.

Biosecurity: Senate Passes Securing our Agriculture and Food Act
On May 24, 2017, the U.S. Senate passed the Securing our Agriculture and Food Act, H.R.1238.The act defends food, agriculture, and livestock against terrorism and similar high-risk events to ensure a safe food supply. The act “amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to carry out a program to coordinate DHS efforts related to defending the food, agriculture, and veterinary systems of the United States against terrorism and other high-consequence events that pose a high risk to homeland security.”

Animal Welfare: The World Organization on Animal Health Adopts Animal Welfare Strategy
On May 24, 2017, the World Organization on Animal Health (OIE) announced its first global strategy on animal welfare. The strategy was developed and endorsed at the 4th OIE Global Conference on animal welfare that took place last year in Mexico and is comprised of four pillars: “development of international animal welfare standards,” “enhancement of capacity building and training of veterinary services,” “communication with governments, national and international organizations, and the public to raise awareness on animal welfare,” and “progressive implementation of OIE standards on animal welfare and their corresponding policies.”

National Ag Policy: USFRA Publishes Sustainability Report
On May 26, 2017, the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance published Agriculture in America Sustainability Report 2017. The report includes a summary report on a survey of farmers’ and ranchers’ perceptions on environmental sustainability and agricultural practices, as well as information on key commodities in the industry and their impact on different aspects of the environment.

Raw Milk: CDC Releases Report on Outbreak-Related Diseases from Raw Milk and Cheese
The June 2017 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases released by the CDC contains a research report titled, “Outbreak-Related Disease Burden Associated with Consumption of Unpasteurized Cow’s Milk and Cheese, United States, 2009-2014.” The report details how “the growing popularity of unpasteurized milk in the United States raises public health concerns” and tracks the correlation between a growing “consumption of unpasteurized dairy products,” and the claim that “a doubling in the consumption of unpasteurized milk or cheese could increase outbreak-related illnesses by 96%.”

Industrial Hemp/Cannabis: Maryland Halts Medical Marijuana Licensing Pending a Hearing this Friday
On May 25, 2017, The Washington Post reported that Baltimore Circuit Judge Barry Williams “granted a temporary restraining order barring the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission from granting new licenses to grow medical marijuana until a June 2 hearing.” A company in Maryland is suing because the Medical Cannabis Commission “failed to consider minority ownership” in awarding permits. Of the fifteen marijuana-growing companies chosen by the commission throughout Maryland, “none [are] led by African Americans.” At the hearing this Friday, June 2, 2017, Judge Williams will decide whether or not to continue the licensing freeze until the resolution of the lawsuit.

Pennsylvania Legislation
Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee (Senate)
·         HB 790: Legislation to repeal the Noxious Weed Control Law (Act 74 of 1982) and replace it with the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act (Referred to committee – May 31, 2017)
Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee (House)
·         HB 1463:  An Act amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), known as the Dog Law (Referred to committee - May 31, 2017)
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee (House)
·         HB 20:  Legislation to enact a water resource fee for major water withdrawals in the Commonwealth (Referred to committee - May 25, 2017)
·         HB 1459:  An Act amending the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law (Referred to committee - May 25, 2017)

AgLaw HotLinks:
·         Several Senators send letter to President with concerns over budget cuts to rural America - Coons
·         "Agriculture Beware: Groundwater Future Belongs to SCOTUS"  - AgWebEditor
·         "LA's Urban Farmers To Get Tax Break Under Proposed Law" - HollywoodPatch
·         "Maryland joins California in battling antibiotic overuse on farms" - Reuters
·         "CDC delves into illness rates for raw milk, cheese in new report" - FoodChemNews
·         "Trump administration sees four ways to help ag ‘punch above its weight’" -FoodNavigator
·         "Colorado panel to study industrial hemp use for animal feed" - MjBizDaily
·         "FDA reportedly mulls nutrition facts panel delay" - Meatingplace
·         "Trump's delay of calorie-posting rule jolts restaurants" - Politico
·         "Lawmakers Discuss Rural Economy, Budget Cuts at Farm Bill Hearing" - AgWebEditor
·         "Organic industry asks legislators for funds to expand domestic production" - FoodNavigatorUS
·         "Trump promised a ‘big beautiful door’ in his border wall." - LAtimes
·         "He plowed his field; now he faces a $2.8 million fine" - USAtoday
·         "California will wait for FDA on menu labeling" - Politico  
·         "U.S. IS WORLD’S LARGEST BEEF EXPORTER" - Brownfield
·         "FDA played by the book in delaying menu labeling, GAO finds" - FoodChemNews

Follow us on Twitter at PSU Ag & Shale Law (@AgShaleLaw) to receive AgLaw HotLinks

Connect with us on Facebook! Every week we will post the CASL Ledger which details all our publications and activities from the week.

Stay informed with our monthly Agricultural Law Brief located here.


For a comprehensive summary of daily judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food, visit The Ag & Food Law Blog.
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