Greetings from Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF). We are so grateful for the support and interest we received during this past year. I am very excited to plan in-person events and get back out there with members and friends. But we are not out of the woods. COVID-19 has presented challenges in doing the work of FTCLDF as well as maintaining the necessary funding to do so, and FTCLDF therefore must seek continued financial support. In addition, I am also interested to see if you might be willing to help us spread the word, both about the challenges facing small food producers and the work of FTCLDF.
I have been reflecting a lot lately on the disconnect between increased consumer demand for local food and the regulatory system that makes this so difficult. Much has been said, written and published about how consumer demand for local sustainably produced food has increased since the onset of COVID-19. Many declare that local small farms and food producers are the answer! They say to just go buy the food from your local farmer—that alone ensures access to healthier food, serves the local economy, and places less reliance on the global centralized food system.
Of course this is true. Yet many consumers do not hear about how federal and local policies drive small farmers out of business. They are unaware of how federal, state and local policies make visiting your local farm much more challenging than it sounds. So one of my current goals is to get the word out. To let consumers know about obstacles like counties requiring different licenses for every single farmers market, about towns seeking to stifle livestock guardian dogs while their communities demand sustainably grown meat, or counties insisting on requiring building permits where state laws clearly exclude agricultural buildings.
Consumers should know that the production and sale of pasture raised animals can be complicated. Livestock producers are having a hard time making processing appointments with USDA and state inspection facilities yet are prohibited from selling meat processed by local and still regulated custom slaughter facilities. Small farms struggle with zoning ordinances governing aesthetics, such as ones that preclude small vegetable farmers from using hoop houses to extend the growing season. The list goes on and on.
You can help get the word out to consumers. We are seeking allies like yourself with a substantial consumer following to consider posting information about FTCLDF to your customers or readers. Click HERE to see communication from FTCLDF to friends of local farms and producers. The social media graphics found HERE can also drive folks to our website.
To better explain the legal and policy challenges to small farmers, we are also hosting a free webinar on June 10, 2021 at 1 pm Eastern. Anyone interested in learning more can do so HERE.
Perhaps when they understand the challenges, more consumers will stand with small farmers and producers by joining FTCLDF to help change these obstacles.
Please let me know if you are willing to help, and how FTCLDF can support your effort. I remain optimistic that consumers will maintain interest in wholesome products and foods and will seek to protect our independent farmers and food producers.
Of course, donations are always appreciated* through our website at www.farmtoconsumer.org/donate or by calling us at 703.208.FARM (3276).
Thank you for your consideration and thank you for all you do to improve our food system.
With sincere gratitude,
Alexia Kulwiec
Executive Director
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
