Subject: February Newsletter: Podcasts, Policy Updates, & More!

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FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER FROM FTCLDF

Hello, Friend! This month we have a jam-packed newsletter: an important update about member dues, a policy update from Michigan, and some food freedom multimedia for you to enjoy. Happy reading!

Yours in good health,

Alexia Kulwiec

Executive Director

Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund

POLICY UPDATE

There’s a new cottage food law in Michigan! Michigan House Bill 4122, originally introduced in early 2025, was revived in mid-December and signed into law by the Governor on December 23.

Click to read about Michigan's win!

In addition to sales by the producer direct to the consumer, the new law will allow in-state sales to consumers by internet, mail order, or delivery through a third-party food delivery platform, as long as the producer provides an opportunity for consumers to directly interact with the producer before the sale.

You can read more about Michigan’s new cottage food law in our latest news article.

Also, note that many states’ legislative sessions have reopened or will do so soon. We will monitor and track the progress of new bills that may be of interest to our members. Feel free to alert us to any that come to your attention.

POLICY TRACKER

WE ARE HIRING!

The FTCLDF team is seeking a Communications and Marketing Specialist.

If you — or someone in your network — are interested in mission-driven work that strengthens community control of food systems, we encourage you to learn more and apply!

About the role: This flexible, part-time, fully remote position offers an opportunity to apply writing, editing, and design skills in support of farmers, ranchers, and food producers across the country.

The position plays a key role in communicating the importance of food freedom, supporting our members through clear and effective messaging, and advancing advocacy efforts that protect the right to produce and choose food.

LEARN MORE

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR MEMBERS

Thank you for standing with FTCLDF. Because of our members and donors, we’ve been able to defend independent farmers, ranchers, and food producers — often stepping in before problems escalate saving members a great deal of time, frustration and money. Now more than ever, FTCLDF members are experiencing aggressive push back from federal and state agencies.

For the first time in 18 years, effective May 1, 2026, we’re adjusting member dues to meet a growing need. Across the country, more producers are facing inspections, citations, land-use pressure, and nuisance complaints, as state agencies increase scrutiny of small and mid-scale operations.

This modest increase allows us to respond faster, expand federal and state advocacy, and maintain a strong bench of attorneys ready to help when it matters most.

Effective May 1, 2026, the new FTCLDF rates shall be:

Farmer $ 140

Homesteader $ 80

Consumer $ 60

Artisan $ 140

Affiliate $ 275

FTCLDF is funded by members and smaller independent donors, not government or industrial agricultural interests. Member dues keep FTCLDF independent and uncompromised.

We’re deeply grateful for your continued support and trust. Together, we’ll keep protecting food freedom and the right of producers and communities to choose their food systems. To learn more, visit our website.

MEMBER DUES

LEGAL FOOD HUB'S WINTER WEBINAR SERIES

Legal Food Hub is a great partner to FTCLDF. Each winter, they run a free webinar series to help inform farmers, food entrepreneurs, and food and farm organizations about important legal topics relevant to their businesses: For example, upcoming webinars explore farm property insurance and lending law.

Learn more and register by clicking below!

LEARN MORE

WATCH: FTCLDF ON "FROM THE FARM"

Our own Alexia Kulwiec was recently invited to a conversation with host AJ Richards, who created From the Farm: a platform aimed at decentralizing the food supply chain and empowering family farms.

Richards described FTCLDF as “one of the most important legal organizations working to protect independent farmers and informed consumers.” He said, “If you care about food sovereignty, farmer autonomy, and preserving the right to source food directly from the people who raise it, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.”

You can watch on YouTube here.

WATCH

EVENTS: PAST AND FUTURE

FTCLDF's Christine Dzujna had an amazing time at the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association conference! Here she is with...

Pete Kennedy, Esq., former FTCLDF board president and friend to independent dairy farmers

Rosanna Bauman, a farmer, writer, public speaker, and serial ag entrepreneur

Dr. Michael Fisher, expert on poultry processing and former FSIS veterinary medical officer

Upcoming Events

Marbleseed Conference | La Crosse, Wisconsin

February 26 – 28

That's all for this month! Feel free to reach out if you need anything, and as always, we appreciate your support.

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www.farmtoconsumer.org | 703-208-FARM (3276) | info@farmtoconsumer.org