By Sarah Fielder
Iowa Ag-Gag Law Challenged in Court Public interests groups in Iowa are challenging the state’s ag-gag law as unconstitutional. Other courts have found similar state ag-gag laws as violating the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Iowa’s law makes it a crime to gain access to an ag operation through false pretenses. To read more about the challenge click here, http://bit.ly/2zjpkbb.
San Francisco Requires Grocers to Report Antibiotic Use in Meat Sold San Francisco has become the first city to require grocers to report annually the use of antibiotics in the meat products sold in their stores. Proponents argue this will help consumers pick meat products with lower antibiotic use but opponents point out that it will raise the cost of meat products in the city. To learn more about the new requirement, see here http://bit.ly/2i6UWwB.
Kentucky Crop Insurance Agent Charged with Fraud A Kentucky crop insurance agent has been charged with defrauding taxpayers out of $169,000 by helping tobacco farmers inflate loss claims. The alleged conspiracy involves multiple actors and locations in Kentucky. To read more about the case, click here http://bit.ly/2xCiVFV
Oregon County Aerial Spray Ban In Court An Oregon county ban on aerial spraying is being heard in court. The ordinance was passed by voters earlier this year but challenged by farmers who rely on aerial applications. The opponents of the ban claim that the ordinance is preempted by the state’s pesticide laws. Proponents claim that this is an area that county’s natural have the right to regulate in Oregon. To learn more about the challenge see http://bit.ly/2zimEuh.
Sign Up Now for the 2017 Agriculture and Environmental Law Conference (11/17/2017). Check out some of these dynamic presentations: -Hot Legal Issues in Agriculture -Legal Resources for Improving Soil Health on Leased Land -Administering Antibiotics to Livestock in Maryland- the Federal and State Legal Framework -Maryland’s Climate Change Programs -Conservation Programs and the 2018 Farm Bill -Organics: Certified, Transitional, Livestock, Oh My! *Nutrient Management Continuing Learning Education Credit Available. This event has sold out the last two years so don’t delay- registration is now open and can be done online here.