Showing posts with label National Organic Program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National Organic Program. Show all posts

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—February 1, 2018


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

Soda Tax: PA Supreme Court Agrees to Rule on Philadelphia Soda Tax
On January 30, 2018, the Legal Intelligencer reported that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments regarding the legality of Philadelphia’s Beverage Tax (PBT) on sugar-sweetened beverages.  The action follows the June 14, 2017, decision by the Commonwealth Court rejecting an appeal brought by beverage dealers seeking to invalidate the 1.5 cent per fluid ounce tax for any sugar-sweetened beverage supplied, acquired, delivered, or transported into Philadelphia for retail sale (Lora Jean Williams, et. al., v. City of Philadelphia, et. al., No. 2077 and No. 2078 C.D. 2016).  The beverage dealers assert that under Pennsylvania's Sterling Act, which prevents duplicate taxation at the state and local level, the PBT is impermissible because the Pennsylvania Tax Code already imposes sales tax on sugary "soft drinks."

WOTUS: Eleventh Circuit Responds to WOTUS Jurisdictional Determination by U.S. Supreme Court
On January 24, 2018, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals remanded a lawsuit challenging the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia (Georgia v. Pruitt, Case: 15-14035).  Previously, the district court had ruled that it lacked jurisdiction to hear the WOTUS challenge.  In vacating and remanding the district court order, the Eleventh Circuit cited the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) January 22, 2018, decision regarding jurisdiction for WOTUS rule challenges (National Assn. of Mfrs. v. Department of Defense No. 16-299).  For more information regarding the SCOTUS decision, please the Center’s January 25, 2018 Agricultural Law Weekly Review.

National Organic Program: Certifying of Hydroponic, Aquaponic and Aeroponic Operations Allowed Under Organic Regulations
On January 25, 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a bulletin asserting that the “[c]ertification of hydroponic, aquaponic, and aeroponic operations is allowed under the USDA organic regulations.” According to USDA, such operations may only label these products as organic if the operations: (1) are certified by a USDA-accredited certifying agent and (2) maintain compliance with the USDA organic regulations.   USDA stated that while it is currently considering prohibiting aeroponic systems in organic production, the system will continue to be permitted until the completion of an agency review.

Livestock Emissions: Agriculture Ministers Comment on Livestock Production and Climate Change
On January 25, 2018, the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development reported that at a recent meeting in Berlin, Germany,  agriculture ministers from 69 countries issued a statement addressing the global livestock sector and climate change.  According to the ministers, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has reported that the livestock sector contributes “14.5% of all anthropogenic greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions globally.” As a result of this potential effect on climate change, the ministers called for implementation of the UN’s Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s Sustainable Development Goals.  Additionally, the ministers called for rules, standards, and voluntary agreements that create more efficient livestock production systems and lead to reduced livestock GHG emissions. 

Water: Study Shows Wetlands Help Reduce Downstream Nitrogen Pollution
On January 29, 2018, the National Science Foundation (NSF) released a study asserting that wetlands may dramatically help to reduce nitrate levels in rivers and streams.  According to NSF, in highly intensive agricultural areas “excess nitrate from crop fertilizer makes its way into rivers and streams through subsurface drainage channels and agricultural ditches.” NSF stated that according to their research, multiple wetlands (known as wetland complexes) have been shown to be five times more effective than the best land-based nitrogen mitigation strategies at reducing nitrate in rivers and streams.  As a result of these findings, one of the study’s co-authors stated that “wetland restoration could be one of the most effective methods for improving water quality in the face of climate change and the increasing global demand for food."

Pennsylvania Legislation:
Agricultural and Rural Affairs (S)
  • HB 1917 Legislation to strengthen training and oversight of humane society police officers (Committee meeting to consider legislation, January 31, 2018) 

  • SB 816 Legislation to amend Pennsylvania’s Dangerous Dog Law (Committee meeting to consider legislation, January 31, 2018) 

  • HB 1550 Legislation to amend the Agricultural Area Security Law to provide for restrictions and limitations on preserved farmland (Committee meeting to consider legislation, January 31, 2018) 

Agricultural and Rural Affairs (H)
  • Informational meeting on dairy industry issues and any other business that may come before the committee (Scheduled date: February 26, 2018) 

Environmental Resources and Energy (S)
  • HB 1486 Legislation exempting “high tunnels” that meet certain parameters from any requirements under Storm Water Management Act (Act 167 of 1978) (Committee meeting to consider legislation, January 30, 2018) 

Environmental Resources and Energy (H)
  • HB 2034 Legislation to include the chemical element molybdenum in the labeling requirements for agricultural liming materials (Committee voted to report bill as committed, January 24, 2018) 

Pennsylvania Actions and Notices:
Department of Agriculture

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Department of Environmental Protection

State Conservation Commission

 AgLaw HotLinks:

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.

Listen to our weekly Agricultural Law Podcast.

Stay informed with our monthly Agricultural Law Brief newsletter.  

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, January 25, 2018

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—January 25, 2018

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: U.S. Supreme Court Decides Jurisdiction for WOTUS Challenges
On January 22, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) determined that legal challenges to the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule are to be brought first at the federal district court level (National Assn. of Mfrs. v. Department of Defense No. 16-299).  After the WOTUS rule was promulgated in November 2015, several parties brought actions challenging the rule simultaneously in both federal district courts and federal courts of appeals.  Ultimately, numerous federal court appeals actions were consolidated and transferred to the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.  According to SCOTUS, challenges to the WOTUS rule do not fall under the scope of those Clean Water Act challenges afforded direct and exclusive review in federal courts of appeals.  As a result, SCOTUS held that the Sixth Circuit lacked jurisdiction because challenges to the WOTUS rule must be reviewed initially in the federal district courts.

Food Safety: USDA-FSIS Announces Proposed Swine Inspection Rule
On January 19, 2018, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a proposed amendment to the federal meat inspection regulations for hog slaughter establishments.  Specifically, USDA-FSIS is seeking “to establish a new voluntary inspection system for market hog slaughter establishments called the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS), while also requiring additional pathogen sampling for all swine slaughter establishments.” Following future publication in the Federal Register, USDA-FSIS will receive public comment on the proposed rule for 60 days.

FSMA: FDA Releases Draft Guidance on Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Animal Food
On January 23, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published notice in the Federal Register of the availability of draft guidance entitled: Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals (83 FR 3163).  Promulgated under the Food Safety Modernization Act, the draft guidance “is intended to explain how to comply with the requirements for hazard analysis and risk-based preventive controls for food for animals.”  According to FDA, the draft guidance addresses the following areas: (1) food safety plans; (2) conducting a hazard analysis; (3) hazards associated with the manufacturing, processing, packing, and holding of animal food; (4) preventive controls; and (5) preventive control management components.

FSMA: FDA Releases Five New FSMA Guidance Documents for Importers and Food Producers
On January 24, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of five guidance documents intended to assist importers and food producers comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act.  According to FDA, the guidance documents include the following: (1) draft guidance on the Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) rule; (2) a FSVP rule small entity compliance guide; (3) draft guidance on the term “Same Level of Public Health Protection” used in both the FSVP and Produce Safety regulations; (4) Chapter 15 of the draft Preventive Controls for Human Food guidance regarding supply-chain requirements; and (5) enforcement discretion guidance regarding the application of FSVP to certain importers of grain raw agricultural commodities.

National Organic Program: USDA Proposes Changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
On January 17, 2018 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) published notice in the Federal Register of a proposed rule to amend USDA’s organic regulations through changes to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) (83 FR 2498).  First, the proposed rule would alter use restrictions for seventeen substances currently allowed for organic production or handling on the National List.  Second the proposed rule would add sixteen new substances on the National List to be allowed in organic production or handling.  Third, the proposed rule would list the botanical pesticide, rotenone, as a prohibited substance in organic crop production.  Finally, the proposed rule would remove ivermectin as an allowed parasiticide for use in organic livestock production.

International Trade: U.S. Wins WTO Broiler Chicken Dispute with China
On January 18, 2018, Reuters reported that the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favor of the United States regarding China’s failure to adequately lower tariffs on U.S. broiler chicken products.  According to Reuters, in 2011, the WTO issued a ruling that China had improperly imposed anti-dumping duties on U.S. broiler chicken products.  Though China subsequently lowered these tariffs, in 2016, U.S. officials returned to the WTO asserting that China “had not done enough to comply” with the WTO ruling.  According to Reuters, the U.S. alleged that through China’s noncompliance, “U.S. poultry producers such as Tyson Foods Inc and Pilgrim’s Pride Corp had lost sales of over $1 billion.” Under the latest WTO ruling, unless an appeal is filed, China will have 20 days to lower its tariffs on U.S. broiler chicken products.

Pennsylvania Actions and Notices:
Department of Environmental Protection


AgLaw HotLinks:

     
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.

Listen to our weekly Agricultural Law Podcast.

Stay informed with our monthly Agricultural Law Brief newsletter.  


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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Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—December 20, 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:

Publication Note: The Agricultural Law Weekly Review will not be published during the holiday week of December 25-29.  The next scheduled publication date will be January 4, 2018.

Labor: DOJ Settles Suit Alleging Agricultural Company Favored H-2A Workers over U.S. Citizens
On December 18, 2017, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a settlement with Crop Production Services Inc. (CPSI) regarding the company’s alleged favoring of foreign visa workers over U.S. citizens.  According to DOJ, CPSI violated the Immigration and Nationality Act by refusing to employ three qualified U.S. citizens who had applied for open seasonal agricultural laborer positions in 2016.  DOJ stated that CPSI used burdensome requirements to discourage the U.S. citizens from working at the company’s agricultural facility.  Consequently, CPSI filled all open positions with H-2A visa workers who were not subjected to the same requirements as the U.S. citizens.  Under the terms of the settlement, CPSI agreed to pay $10,500 in civil penalties to the U.S. government and $18,738.75 in lost wages to the affected U.S. citizens.  

National Organic Program: USDA Proposes Withdrawing Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Rule
On December 18, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  publish notice of the agency’s intent to withdraw the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) proposed final rule published on January 19, 2017 (82 FR 59988).  Accordingly, the OLPP final rule, which is scheduled to become effective on May 14, 2018, addresses issues regarding: (1) livestock handling and transport for slaughter; (2) avian living conditions; (3) livestock care and production practices; and (4) mammalian living conditions.  USDA asserted that the proposed withdraw is the result of agency’s determination that the OLPP final rule exceeded USDA’s statutory authority under the Organic Foods Production Act.

Pesticides: EPA Determines Glyphosate Not Likely Carcinogenic to Humans
On December 18, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of a draft human health and ecological risk assessments for the pesticide glyphosate.  According to EPA, the draft risk assessment provides a determination that glyphosate is “not likely carcinogenic to humans.”  Additionally, EPA asserted that when used according to the pesticide label, glyphosate has not been shown to cause any other “meaningful risks to human health.” EPA stated that in early 2018, the agency “will open a 60-day public comment period for the draft risk assessments, evaluate the comments received, and consider any potential risk management options…” 

Animal Welfare: 13 States Sue Massachusetts over Animal Confinement Law
On December 11, 2017, attorney generals from 13 states brought an action in the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Massachusetts’s Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act (PFACA).  According to the action, PFACA impermissibly “attempt[s] to impose regulatory standards on farmers from every other state by dictating conditions of housing for poultry, hogs, and calves when their products will be offered for sale in Massachusetts.” The action alleges that by attempting to regulate farming in other states, PFACA violates the Commerce Clause.  Currently, PFACA is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2022.

Pennsylvania Actions and Notices
Department of Environmental Protection

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, November 16, 2017

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—November 16, 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:
                             
National Organic Program: AMS Delays Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule
On November 14, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) published notice delaying the effective date of the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2017 (82 FR 52643).  According to AMS, the OLPP final rule addresses: (1) livestock handling and transport for slaughter; (2) avian living conditions; (3) livestock care and production practices; and (4) mammalian living conditions.  AMS stated that while reviewing the OLPP, “significant concerns [arose] regarding statutory authority for, and costs and benefits of, the OLPP rule.” As a result, AMS announced that the agency is delaying the effective date of the OLPP rule until May 14, 2018, in order to allow additional time for comment and review.

Checkoff Programs: Oklahoma Beef Checkoff Referendum Defeated
On November 9, 2017, News OK reported that a recent Oklahoma Beef Checkoff referendum had been defeated by a final count of 2,506 no votes to 1,998 yes votes.  If passed, the referendum would have levied a $1 fee for each head of cattle sold.  This fee would have been in addition to the $1 national checkoff fee currently placed on each head of cattle sold.  Under the national checkoff program, Oklahoma must share a portion of the money collected with other states that produce cattle sold in Oklahoma markets.  Accordingly, under the proposed referendum, the additional $1 fee would have been retained entirely for use by the state of Oklahoma. 

International Trade: WTO Rules against Indonesia Agricultural Import Restrictions
On November 9, 2017, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced a determination by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that Indonesia’s import restrictions on horticultural products and animals and animal products are in violation of WTO rules.  Under the WTO determination, Indonesia must bring its measures into conformity with WTO rules.  According to Mr. Lighthizer, due to a “complex web of import licensing requirements”, U.S. farmers and ranchers have been denied export opportunities to Indonesian at a cost of millions of dollars per year.  Mr. Lighthizer asserted that the WTO determination should result in increased export opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers and increased Indonesian consumer access to “high-quality U.S. agricultural products.”

International Trade: U.S. Department of Commerce Determines Argentina and Indonesia Unfairly Subsidize Biodiesel
On November 9, 2017, U.S. Department of Commerce announced a final determination regarding biodiesel imported from Argentina and Indonesia.  According to the Commerce Department, Argentina is unfairly subsidizing its producers of biodiesel at rates ranging from 71.45 to 72.28%.  Additionally, the Commerce Department stated that Indonesia is unfairly subsidizing its producers of biodiesel at rates ranging from 34.45 to 64.73%.  As a result, the Commerce Department announced that U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be instructed to collect cash deposits from importers of biodiesel from Argentina and Indonesia at amounts based on the final rates. 

Pesticides: EU Arrives at “No Opinion” on Glyphosate Renewal
On November 9, 2017, the EU Observer reported that the European Union (EU) member states failed to agree on a license extension for the herbicide glyphosate.  According to the report, in order for a glyphosate license extension, a qualified majority of the ministers in the standing committee on plant animal food and feed must vote in favor of the proposal.  To achieve a qualified majority, “55 percent of the EU countries, representing 65 percent of the European population, have to agree on the proposal.” Accordingly, out of the 28 EU member states, 14 voted in favor of the proposal, 9 voted against the proposal, and 5 abstained.  Because a qualified majority was not reached, the committee meeting resulted in a "no opinion.” The report stated that following the committee’s action, the European Commission will pursue the license extension with the appeal committee for food safety.  The current EU license for glyphosate is set to expire on December 15, 2017.
                                
Pennsylvania Legislation
Agriculture and Rural Affairs (H)
  • HB 1917 Legislation regarding the training and oversight of humane society police officers (referred to committee November 13, 2017)
Pennsylvania Actions and Notices
Department of Environmental Protection
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, May 18, 2017

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—May 18, 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:

Right to Farm: North Carolina Legislature Overrides Governor’s Veto
On May 11, 2017, the Raleigh News & Observer reported that the North Carolina state Senate overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s recent veto of legislation limiting monetary damages in certain nuisance lawsuits against agricultural and forestry operations.  According to the report, the lawmakers voted 30 to 18 to override the veto which satisfied North Carolina’s three-fifths override requirement.  The Senate vote followed the May 10, 2017, state House vote (74 to 40) which also overrode the Governor’s veto.  According to the report, the legislation “was prompted by 26 federal lawsuits filed against the state’s largest pork producer, Murphy-Brown, a subsidiary of Smithfield Foods.”

International Trade: China to Allow U.S. Beef Imports
On May 11, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that “President of the United States Donald Trump and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping agreed…to advance U.S. - China economic cooperation with a 100-day action plan under the framework of the U.S. - China Comprehensive Economic Dialogue.” According to the announcement: “Following one more round of technical consultations between the United States and China, China is to allow imports of U.S. beef on conditions consistent with international food safety and animal health standards and consistent with the 1999 Agricultural Cooperation Agreement, beginning as soon as possible but no later than July 16, 2017.”

National Organic Program: Imported Soybeans Improperly Designated as Organic
On May12, 2017, the Washington Post reported that in December of 2016, a shipment of 36 million pounds of soybeans was imported into the U.S. and improperly designated as “USDA Organic.” The report stated that sometime prior to its arrival in the U.S. the soybeans were fumigated with a pesticide.  According to the report, “[a]bout 21 million pounds of the soybeans have already been distributed to customers.”

International Trade: Lighthizer Confirmed as U.S. Trade Representative
On May 11, 2017, Reuters reported that the U.S. Senate had confirmed Robert Lighthizer as U.S. Trade Representative.  According to the report, Lighthizer won support from both Republicans and Democrats and was confirmed by a vote of 82 to 17.  Reuters stated that the Trump administration has been waiting “for Lighthizer to be in place before triggering the formal process to begin renegotiating NAFTA.

Food Safety: FDA Announces New FSMA Resources
Recently, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the availability of two new resources regarding the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).  On May 10, 2017, FDA released a document entitled Guidance for Industry: Compliance with Providing an Acceptable Unique Facility Identifier for the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs Regulation.  According to FDA, this resource provides information regarding “how you may comply with FDA’s requirement to identify yourself as the importer of a food at entry into the United States under the Foreign Supplier Verification Programs (FSVP).” Relatedly, on May 11, 2017, FDA announced an update to “FDA.gov to include updated fact sheets, and new guidance as a resource for importers subject to the FSVP rule.”

Pesticides: EPA Delays Implementation of Pesticide Applicators Rule
On May 11, 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced “a 12-month extension for implementation of the revised final Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators (C&T) rule.” As a result, the new effective date for the rule is May 22, 2018.  According to EPA, “[t]he extended timeline will enable EPA to work with states and provide adequate compliance and training resources.”

Avian Influenza: GAO Report Calls for Avian Influenza Evaluation Plan
On May 11, 2017, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a report calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop a plan for evaluating efforts to control outbreaks of avian influenza.   According to GAO, “On the basis of GAO's analysis of federal efforts to respond to outbreaks and of stakeholders' views, GAO identified ongoing challenges and associated issues that federal agencies face in mitigating the potential harmful effects of avian influenza.”  GAO stated that while USDA “has taken actions to address lessons learned from its responses to the outbreaks” a plan is needed “to evaluate the effectiveness [of] its efforts.”

International Trade: USDA Creates Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs
On May 11, 2017, “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue… announced the creation of an undersecretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).” According to Secretary Perdue, the new undersecretary will work “side by side with our U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross…[and] will ensure that American producers are well equipped to sell their products and feed the world.”

WOTUS: EPA Announces New WOTUS Rulemaking Website
On May 15, 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new website “to provide the public with information about EPA’s review of the definition of ‘Waters of the U.S.’ (WOTUS) as set out in the 2015 ‘Clean Water Rule.’” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt stated that “[t]he president has directed us to review this regulation to address the concerns from farmers and local communities that it creates unnecessary burdens and inhibits economic growth.”  According to Administrator Pruitt, “[t]his website aims to provide the public with information about our actions to meet the president’s directive.”

Pennsylvania Legislation
Senate Agricultural and Rural Affairs
·         SB 679: Increasing Access to Consumer Fireworks (Referred to committee - May 5, 2017)
·         HB 187: Allow Wind Energy on Farmland Preservation (Referred to committee - May 15, 2017)
House Agricultural and Rural Affairs
·         HB 1348: Amending the Pennsylvania Fair Dealership Law (Referred to committee - May 11, 2017)
House Tourism and Recreational Development
·         Voting meeting on HB 544 (Amending the State's Recreational use of Land Liability Law and any other business that may come before the committee - June 6, 2017)

AgLaw HotLinks:
·         Farmers struggle to find & keep agricultural workers due to new immigration policy - DairyHerd
·         Government Accountability Office asks for plan from USDA to prevent avian influenza - Meatingplace
·         Menu labeling might lose congressional backing before it starts - FoodSafetyNews
·         USDA to Publish Study on GMO Labeling Standard - Natural Products
·         Group joins livestock, poultry industry in call for new disease prevention program  - AgJournal
·         Florida probes Koch Foods, Wayne Farms over chicken pricing - Reuters
·         Statement of Secretary Perdue Regarding Trade Breakthrough with China - USDA
·         Federal Appeals Court hears arguments on Idaho's "Ag-gag" or food libel law  - ACLU
·         Governor Branstad saves Iowa State Leopold Center with vote - TheGazette
·         What the Reorganization at the USDA Means - AgWebEditor
·         Dairy exports in 2017 up 14% in volume & 17% by value compared to last year  - Farm Milk Journal
·         Farm Bureau Praises Creation of New USDA Trade Undersecretary - FarmBureau


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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