Subject: Your Quarterly Food Freedom Newsletter: FTCLDF News Recap and Upcoming Events

Avian flu update, winter hotline blotter; upcoming webinars, upcoming events

Your Quarterly Food Freedom Newsletter
FTCLDF News Recap and Upcoming Events
"We've Got Your Farmer's Back!"

USDA Testing for Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Dairy Cows, Milk, and Ground Beef

The USDA is ramping up testing for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, milk, and now ground beef. FTCLDF Executive Director Alexia Kulwiec says that FTCLDF has not received any reports to date of FTCLDF members receiving visits or calls rom the USDA or state departments of agriculture.


“Our stance as an organization has always been that raw dairy, and raw dairy products, are nutritious foods that consumers should be able to obtain from the farm or ranch of their choice,” says Kulwiec. “When these types of concerns arise over infectious pathogens, it only serves to strengthen the argument for aa decentralized, more local and regional food supply."

See latest USDA Press Release.

Multiple Action Alerts from LA, AK, RI, NH, UT, WI

The first quarter of the year is typically the busiest legislatively, Many important food freedom bills have been circulating in several states. Be sure to follow and act on bills that affect your state and the nation. There is strength in numbers!


View the most recent Action Alerts.

Share Agreements Primer Webinar Now Available Online
Log into our members-only resources for helpful webinars and podcasts!


Learn about herdshares, meat shares, buying clubs, and PMAs from our staff and special guest. Annette Bair.

View All 2023 Members-Only Webinars

The Farm Bill - This webinar features Antonio Tovar, Senior Policy Associate at National Family Farm Coalition.


Which Business Structure Is Best for Your Farm or Cottage Food Company?

This webinar is led by Massachusetts attorneys Patrick Connolly, Chasse Osborn, and Tanisha Edwards from the Foley Hoag Law Firm.


Protecting Your Livestock Guardian Dogs 

Hear from our own Senior Litigation Counsel, Suzy Israel.

Save the Date! Our Next Members-Only Webinar is May 23


Join us live for our next members-only webinar, "Legislative Updatesl" on Thursday, May 23 at 1 pm EST (12 pm CST). We focus on the legislation that most affects independent farmers and ranchers, homesteaders, and cottage food makers. Watch for our sign up information in emails and on social media.

Hotline Blotter
FTCLDF’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline Did Not Cool Off in Winter 2024

State: Michigan
Farmer members are being told by Township that a permit is needed to host events and educational programs. Member wants advice as to whether they need a permit under the Michigan Right to Farm Act and specifically the Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices (GAAMPs).


State: Mississippi
Farmer member being threatened by USDA meat inspector that facility may be shut down. Needs help urgently.


State: Ohio
Farmer member is having an issue with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and their local health department.  Needs immediate consult.


State: Michigan
Non-member called for assistance. Neighbor suing over bees. Beekeeper has 21 days to respond. Note: Keep your FTCLDF membership current for full member benefits!

Read the full blotter.

2024 Annual (Zoom) Member Meeting Now Available Online

Our Annual (Zoom) Member Meeting is a chance for all FTCLDF members to meet members of the FTCLDF staff and Board President Peter Ruddock.

Look for Us!
The Homestead Festival
Columbia, TN

June 7-8, 2024

Please stop by our exhibit and say, "Hi!" We would love to see you in Columbia! Find out more about the festival here.

Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
Protecting, defending, and broadening the rights and viability of independent farmers, artisanal food producers, and their consumers.


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