Dear Friend,
We at Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) know that a growing number of consumers desire access to locally produced, farm fresh food. Restaurants and chefs know this as well, and often seek out local farms for ingredients. Foods like produce don’t often present legal problems.
But we are hearing more lately about the challenges to small independent farms in providing other products nearby restaurants seek. Local regulation may restrict the purchase of ungraded eggs and raw milk despite safe food handling practices. Providing locally and sustainably produced meats can also be complicated, particularly when farmers must transport their livestock hundreds of miles to USDA- or state- inspected slaughterhouses, if they can even get an appointment.
We plan to further investigate the obstacles to members in providing foods to restaurants and chefs, especially when such sales could ensure farm viability. Please reply to this email if you have any specific experiences with these kinds of obstacles.
Please also keep an eye out for the next members-only webinar, in which we will offer a panel to speak about a farm’s success in marketing to local restaurants, and some of the legal challenges involved.
Last, if you are an attorney interested in working with FTCLDF in overcoming such obstacles, or have a recommendation, please fill out the form HERE.
As always, thank you for all you do to support a local, healthy food system.
In good health,
Alexia Kulwiec
Executive Director
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