Policy Needed to Support a Sustainable Ranching and Farming Future: current policy, current proposed changes, and where we need to go

Consumer demand for locally grown products continues to increase while smaller ranches and farms face increased scrutiny from state and local regulatory agencies. In this workshop, we will explore federal and state regulations that particularly impact independent ranching operations and small farms, including operating under exemptions that support smaller operations. We will touch on the current status of the use of RFID, attempts made to create a new Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products, on-farm poultry processing, and the Federal Meat Inspection Act. We will discuss pending federal bills such as the LOCAL Foods Act and the PRIME Act, both aiming to improve local meat processing, and some state changes. We will also touch on what policies remain necessary to support independent and local production and a more resilient ranch and farming community. A workshop from Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.

Questions? Contact Alexia Kulwiec at Alexia@farmtoconsumer.org.