OFW logo
1-202-933-5394
MENU

Ben Dash

Food, Ag, & Trade Outlook in the Incoming Trump Administration

FDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Customs and Trade, Food Distribution & International Trade, For Export, Government Relations, Health Care, Healthcare, USDA, USTR /

The food, agriculture, and trade sectors are aware the Trump Administration could bring myriad policy changes that could have a significant impact on business.    OFW Law provides an initial outlook at the new administration’s approach to food, agriculture, and trade, which will be influenced by individual cabinet and other executive branch appointments who will […]

Food, Ag, & Trade Outlook in the Incoming Trump Administration Read More »

The Emerging Legal Impacts of Generative AI on Patents and Trademarks: A Symposium with the USPTO and U.S. Copyright Office

FDA, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Government Relations, USDA /

As generative artificial intelligence (AI) systems become increasingly powerful and widespread, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is beginning to evaluate the legal implications for intellectual property rights and protection. On March 27th, the USPTO and the U.S. Copyright Office jointly held a public symposium to explore the emerging challenges AI presents across

The Emerging Legal Impacts of Generative AI on Patents and Trademarks: A Symposium with the USPTO and U.S. Copyright Office Read More »

CannaSweep’s Congressional Bill Tracker Can Enhance Your Cannabis Business

Cannabis /

The cannabis industry is one of the most dynamic and complex sectors in the country, with varying degrees of legalization and regulation across different states and federal levels. Keeping track of federal cannabis-related bills and their status can be a daunting and time-consuming task. CannaSweep’s Congressional Bill Tracker is an outsourcing solution that industry members can

CannaSweep’s Congressional Bill Tracker Can Enhance Your Cannabis Business Read More »

Hemp Now Included in Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC)

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Cannabis, Government Relations, USDA, USTR /

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will include ‘Hemp’ in the title of one of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs) – noting a significant evolution in both agriculture and cannabis policy. Specifically, ‘Hemp’ has now earned a place within the ATAC titled ‘Tobacco, Cotton, Peanuts, and Hemp.’ The ATACs were established under

Hemp Now Included in Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) Read More »

John Dillard of OFW Law

Dillard Receives Purdue University Apex Award

OFW Law News, Agriculture & Agribusiness, USDA /

OFW Law Principal John Dillard has received the 2022 Purdue University Department of Agricultural Economics Apex Award. The Apex Award is given to individuals associated with Purdue’s Agricultural Economics Department who have made outstanding accomplishments in their fields. The Apex Award is the highest honor bestowed by Purdue’s Agricultural Economics Department. In connection with the

Dillard Receives Purdue University Apex Award Read More »

OFW Law’s Ackerman Discusses AFIDA in Agri-Pulse

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Food Distribution & International Trade, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Government Relations, OFW Law News, USDA /

OFW Law’s Ken Ackerman was featured in an Agri-Pulse article discussing the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA). In the article, “While Foreign Purchases of US Land Surge, USDA’s Reporting Penalties Plunge,” Mr. Ackerman discussed his experience in representing clients on AFIDA matters. AFIDA is a law administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). Under

OFW Law’s Ackerman Discusses AFIDA in Agri-Pulse Read More »

FDA’s Woodcock Holds Meeting on Regulatory Pathways for Hemp and CBD

FDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Cannabis, Government Relations /

On November 1, 2022, the Principal Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Janet Woodcock had a virtual meeting on “Regulatory Pathways for Hemp Products, including Cannabidiol (CBD)” with representatives of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of the Secretary and the Executive Office of the President. This meeting was announced

FDA’s Woodcock Holds Meeting on Regulatory Pathways for Hemp and CBD Read More »

FDA’s Nutrition Initiatives: FDA’s Proposed Rule to Update the Definition of “Healthy”

FDA, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing /

As mentioned in September’s Regulatory Recap, last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposed rule on the “Definition of the Term ‘Healthy’” nutrient content claims. FDA updated its Nutrition Initiatives, and issued the proposed rule, to more closely align with the HHS and USDA’s 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, nutrition facts labels,

FDA’s Nutrition Initiatives: FDA’s Proposed Rule to Update the Definition of “Healthy” Read More »

Summary of Senate’s Hearing “Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms”

FDA, Cannabis, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Government Relations, Miscellaneous, Public Policy /

On July 26, 2022, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Criminal Justice and Terrorism held a hearing on “Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms.” The hearing largely addressed the recently introduced S. 4591, “Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act” (the “CAOA”). The witnesses included: Malik Burnett, Medical Director, Maryland Department

Summary of Senate’s Hearing “Decriminalizing Cannabis at the Federal Level: Necessary Steps to Address Past Harms” Read More »

CAOA Filed in the Senate

Miscellaneous, Cannabis, FDA, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Public Policy /

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) Cory Booker (D-NJ), and more officially filed the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) (S.4591) to legalize cannabis nationwide. OFW has prepared material on this bill and will be monitoring supplementary announcements and hearings for more information. Please note that OFW has provided other posts on key areas of interest in

CAOA Filed in the Senate Read More »

USDA Announces Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Projects

USDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing /

On Monday, February 7, 2022, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack delivered an announcement that USDA would invest“$1 billion in Climate Smart Commodities, Expanding Markets, Strengthening Rural America.” Titled “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities,” USDA has committed to finance projects that expand the market for U.S. agricultural and forestry products that use “climate-smart

USDA Announces Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture Projects Read More »

Vaccine-or-Test Mandates: U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Friday

Litigation /

The U.S. Supreme Court convened a special session to hear oral arguments concerning the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) emergency rules mandating COVID-19 vaccination. The OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) requires employers with 100 or more

Vaccine-or-Test Mandates: U.S. Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Friday Read More »

FTC Proposes Rulemaking to Limit Impersonation Scams

Miscellaneous, Government Relations /

On December 23th, 2021, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) targeting impersonation scams. Impersonation scams generally involve the scammer impersonating a trusted source to convince targets to send money or personal information. These scammers often pretend to be a part of government or well-known businesses.  To add legitimacy,

FTC Proposes Rulemaking to Limit Impersonation Scams Read More »

Israeli Minister for Agriculture Forer discusses Israeli-US Partnerships in U.S. Visit

Government Relations, Food Distribution & International Trade, Miscellaneous /

On December 2, 2021, the Israeli Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Oded Forer concluded a three-day trip to Washington D.C. to strengthen Israel’s strategic partnership with the U.S. and other regional partners on agricultural issues. This trip included meetings with Senators, the USDA Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, and senior executives at the World

Israeli Minister for Agriculture Forer discusses Israeli-US Partnerships in U.S. Visit Read More »

Federal Vaccine Mandates – Where Things Stand

Litigation, Government Relations, Health Care, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Public Policy /

Updated on December 7, 2021 All federal vaccine mandates stayed pending Court action   On September 9, 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14042: Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors which mandated that employees of federal contractors be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, following recommendations of the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force. In early November 2021,

Federal Vaccine Mandates – Where Things Stand Read More »

USTR/USDA Holds Open Meeting to Discuss China Decrees 248 and 249

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Food Distribution & International Trade, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, For Export, Government Relations, USDA, USDA FSIS, USTR /

On Tuesday, November 16th, 2021, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) held an informal informational meeting on the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China’s (GACC) Decrees 248 and 249 affecting U.S. agricultural exports. The Decrees, which were published in 2019, set out new

USTR/USDA Holds Open Meeting to Discuss China Decrees 248 and 249 Read More »

Biden to Nominate Dr. Robert Califf as FDA Commissioner

FDA, Government Relations, Health Care, Healthcare /

On Friday November 12, 2021, President Biden nominated former United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, a cardiologist by training, to again be FDA Commissioner, replacing acting Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock. Califf, 70, was the FDA Commissioner for a year at the end of the Obama Administration. He garnered broad support

Biden to Nominate Dr. Robert Califf as FDA Commissioner Read More »

OFW Law to co-host the 2021 Food Labeling Summit with the Food Institute next month

FDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, USDA /

Next month, The Food Institute kicks off its 3-day virtual training seminar on Food Labeling and Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC will be co-hosting the event. Each day has its own unique theme. On day one, attendees may expect to first learn the basics of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) and the U.S.

OFW Law to co-host the 2021 Food Labeling Summit with the Food Institute next month Read More »

Carbon Labeling: Who is Ahead of the Game?

Agriculture & Agribusiness, FDA, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing /

With climate change discussions being elevated on a local, regional, and global scale, many individuals are considering how their personal choices, including foods they consume, impact the environment. This has translated to a resurgence of interest in carbon labeling food products. Now that we understand the basics of carbon labeling and what it means for

Carbon Labeling: Who is Ahead of the Game? Read More »

woman smelling fruit at a local market

Ring in the New Year with the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines

Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing /

Just in time to ring in the new year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services introduced the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans were published in 1980 and have been updated every 5 years, making this the 9th edition. The

Ring in the New Year with the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines Read More »

2020 Dietary Guidelines Near the End of Stage One

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations /

On Wednesday, June 16, 2020, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) hosted a public meeting to review their draft scientific report. A new edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is published every 5-years and developed in three stages: (I) Reviewing the science; (II) developing the guidelines; (III) implementation. The most recent meeting marks the

2020 Dietary Guidelines Near the End of Stage One Read More »

2020 Food Labeling Seminar Hosted by OFW and The Food Institute

Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Government Relations /

OFW and The Food Institute will be holding their annual Food Labeling Seminar on October 7, 8, and 9. The virtual training course will cover everything you need to know about food labeling in today’s marketplace. This seminar will review the basics of FDA’s and USDA’s food labeling requirements, including recent updates. It will review

2020 Food Labeling Seminar Hosted by OFW and The Food Institute Read More »

Policy Solutions to Climate Change through Agriculture and Forestry

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations /

The coronavirus has dominated the news cycle over the last five months and has disrupted nearly every industry, particularly agriculture and forestry. Leaders, innovators, and policymakers in these fields are looking for solutions that will mitigate future supply chain disruptions like the ones experienced due to the coronavirus. Therefore, it is not surprising that climate

Policy Solutions to Climate Change through Agriculture and Forestry Read More »

COVID-19 and the Need for International Food Aid – A Growing Body of Evidence

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations /

“So today, with COVID-19, I want to stress that we are not only facing a global health pandemic but also a global humanitarian catastrophe. Millions of civilians living in conflict-scarred nations, including many women and children, face being pushed to the brink of starvation, with the specter of famine a very real and dangerous possibility.” David

COVID-19 and the Need for International Food Aid – A Growing Body of Evidence Read More »

Fresh produce sold at a market by farmer

Food and Agriculture in the Phase 3 Coronavirus Bill

For Export, Public Policy /

By Julia Johnson Food and agriculture continues to be a priority for Congress and the Administration as the government tackles the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. After tense negotiations, the Senate passed a third stimulus bill late last night. Here is what is in it for food and agriculture. Before the second coronavirus stimulus

Food and Agriculture in the Phase 3 Coronavirus Bill Read More »

Young woman in medical mask in grocery store because of Covid 19

Food Security is National Security in a Time of Crisis – Phase One and Phase Two Coronavirus Stimulus Bills

For Export, Public Policy /

By Julia Johnson The Coronavirus Pandemic has dramatically changed life as we know it in the United States. Government from the local to the federal level, the private sector, and non-profit organizations alike are practicing unprecedented levels of partnership and cooperation to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, or COVID-19. Recent bills passed by Congress and

Food Security is National Security in a Time of Crisis – Phase One and Phase Two Coronavirus Stimulus Bills Read More »

Industries

Food & Agriculture
Medical Products
Customs and Trade
Consumer and Commercial Litigation
Government Relations

Our Firm

Home
People
Alumni
About
Contact

Insights

News & Insights
Blog
Facebook Twitter Linkedin