| Dear Friend,
Spring is a busy season both for our members and for us as an organization. We have several important updates to share with you, and we appreciate the communication we have been receiving that helps us stay informed in real time about some of your concerns.
I want to update you on the ongoing litigation regarding raw butter, and the Campaign for Raw Food. Those of you with poultry have had concerns regarding avian flu, and I also want to make sure you are making use of our new, improved, members-only resources. |
| Update on The Campaign for Raw Food
Oral argument on the ban of interstate sales of raw butter was held April 8,2022. FTCLDF attorney Mahesha P. Subbaraman (right) argued the case before the U.S. District Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. The main plaintiff, California dairyman Mark Mcafee (left), and I joined Mahesha in D.C.
Listen to the Live Oral Argument
Listen to the FTCLDF oral argument and the FDA response argument HERE.
See Our Attorney's Reaction
View a short video of Mr. Subbaraman and Mr. McAfee's reaction to the oral argument from just outside the D.C. District Court of Appeals HERE.
The Campaign for Raw Food website has all of the information regarding this case, and why we must not back down. This fight is centered on raw, or unpasteurized, butter, but it's not JUST about raw butter.
If we leave this interstate butter ban unchecked it could lead the FDA to claim it can regulate other foods, prohibiting sales of rare meat, oysters, sushi, or lettuce!
I have a short video introduction on the CFRF website that briefly explains why the campaign is so important for preserving food choices.
Avian Flu Surprise Farm Inspections
We are aware that some of our members, across multiple states, have been subjected to surprise farm visits, even some with very small back yard flocks.
There are no easy answers, but if you are a member experiencing problems, please contact us 703-209-FARM (3276), or email at info@farmtoconsumer.org.You can join FTCLDF online HERE.New and Improved Member ResourcesIn case you're a new member, or haven't had a chance to check it out, we have improved our member-only resources now available online. When you login to your account HERE then simply choose “Member Resources Home” on the menu to see all of the great webinars, podcasts, and articles we have for you there. You will also find our 24-Hour Emergency Hotline that connects you quickly to our attorneys in the case of an unexpected farm visit or inspection from regulators. We look forward to continuing to provide you with all of these great resources, and we thank you again for joining with us to make these important services available for our independent farmers, artisans, and cottage food makers. Thank you again for your support as we work together to improve our food system. In good health, Alexia Kulwiec Executive Director |
| | Please consider making a donation to the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund to help us continue our mission to protect, defend, and broaden the rights and viability of independent farmers, artisanal food producers, and their consumers. Click HERE to make a donation.* If you would like to mail in a donation, please click HERE. Alternatively, donations can be made by calling 703-208-FARM (3276).
*The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund is a 501(c)4 organization.
Your donation is not deductible as a charitable contribution because donations are used, in part, for lobbying.
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| www.farmtoconsumer.org | 703-208-FARM (3276) | info@farmtoconsumer.org |
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