Policy Changes to Support a Sustainable Ranching and Farming Future

Consumer demand for locally grown products is increasing while smaller ranches and farms face increased scrutiny from state and local regulatory agencies even as state legislatures begin to lessen the regulatory burden. In this workshop, we will explore federal and state regulations that particularly impact independent ranching operations and small farms, including the new USDA rule and Congressional action on the mandatory use of RFID, or electronic animal identification. We will touch on the limitations and exemptions under the Federal Meat Inspection act, the Food Safety Modernization Act, dairy laws, and state regulations. We will discuss measures being taken at the state and local level to support local ranches and farms and what policy changes could support a more resilient ranch and farming community. This workshop is hosted by Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

Contact Alexia Kulwiec at alexia@farmtoconsumer.org with any questions.
Registration will open mid-June.

Educators:
Alexia Kulwiec: Alexia is the Executive Director of Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. Alexia has been a practicing attorney over 25 years and has earned an advanced law degree in food and agriculture law. Alexia also has an appointment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she has studied domestic fair trade on mid-sized farms which triggered her interest in promoting smaller scale and sustainable ranching and farming.

Peter Ruddock: FTCLDF Board President Peter Ruddock is an advocate for sustainable food and all things that strengthen local food economies. He believes that when we make food choices, we must employ a triple bottom line: choosing food that is good for the Earth, good for all of those who work to bring it to us, and good for our health when we eat it.
Over the years, Peter has honed his advocacy by volunteering and working for numerous organizations whose missions complement his own. In 2022, he created Resilient Foodsheds, an organization which provides food policy and regulatory support for small food and farm businesses.