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Agriculture & Agribusiness

USDA Labeling Laws for Meat, Poultry and Egg Guide

Meat, Poultry & Egg Labeling Laws: USDA Labeling Requirements

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

Meat and poultry processors face labeling rejections from FSIS that delay product launches and waste printing costs. Label approval specialists cite obscure policy memos and technical violations that weren’t apparent from reading the core regulations. I know this because USDA labeling laws and requirements represent one of the most detailed regulatory frameworks in food production […]

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The Farm Bill and What it Means for USDA-Regulated Food Companies

The Farm Bill and What It Means for USDA-Regulated Industries

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

Agricultural businesses operating under USDA regulations face policy shifts every five years when Congress passes the Farm Bill. These massive legislative packages – sometimes exceeding 1,000 pages – reshape USDA programs, enforcement priorities, and compliance requirements across every regulated sector. I know this because the Farm Bill determines which USDA programs receive funding and enforcement

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Oh, SNAP! USDA Is Continuing to Fight Against Payment of Full November SNAP Benefits

Agriculture & Agribusiness, SNAP, USDA /

Despite the Senate’s passage of a continuing resolution to fund the federal government through January 30, 2026, and the House’s likely passage of a similar bill later this week, the Trump Administration is continuing the legal fight over November’s SNAP benefits. To recap recent events: Last Thursday afternoon, the Rhode Island federal judge issued a

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Oh, SNAP! Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown on SNAP Beneficiaries

SNAP, Agriculture & Agribusiness /

The ongoing federal government shutdown is placing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in a precarious position. As the shutdown stretches into its third week, uncertainty looms over whether approximately 42 million Americans will receive their November 2025 SNAP benefits.​   SNAP is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food & Nutrition Service

Oh, SNAP! Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown on SNAP Beneficiaries Read More »

USDA Jamie L Whitten Building

USDA Operations During a Government Shutdown

Agriculture & Agribusiness /

When Congress fails to pass appropriations legislation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture operates under a lapse in funding that significantly impacts food safety oversight, agricultural services, and regulatory programs. The USDA’s approach to maintaining operations during these funding gaps follows strict legal requirements under the Anti-Deficiency Act while prioritizing public health protection. During the fiscal

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A SNAP Cost-share Would Cost States Double

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations, SNAP /

The following was published in Agri-Pulse on March 20, 2025.   Within the backdrop of Congressional budget reconciliation, there will be no easy decisions for an eventual savings target imposed on the Ag Committees to hit (a target they didn’t ask to receive).   When considering how they’ll hit their required cost-cutting number, among the

A SNAP Cost-share Would Cost States Double Read More »

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

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Six Months and Counting – EU’s Deforestation-Free Supply Chain Regulation

Agriculture & Agribusiness, For Export /

Background   On June 29, 2023, the EU’s Regulation on deforestation-free products entered into force, with an 18-month transition period until enforcement begins on December 30, 2024.  The rationale for the regulations is to limit the expansion of agricultural land that is linked to the production of specific products, currently defined as cattle, wood, cocoa, soy,

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November Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, FDA, USDA /

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from November that should be highlighted. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do

November Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

Arkansas Becomes the First State to Enforce Foreign-Ownership Land Restrictions

Agriculture & Agribusiness, USDA /

On October 17, 2023, Arkansas became the first state to enforce a state law banning certain foreign entities from owning agricultural land (doing so under Act 636, which blocks “prohibited foreign-party-controlled business” from owning public or private land directly or through affiliation). Arkansas Attorney General, Tim Griffin ordered Syngenta Seeds LLC. to sell 160 acres

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NALC Announcement of John Dillard's Meat and Poultry Labeling Webinar

Dillard to Provide Webinar on USDA Meat and Poultry Labeling Requirements

Agriculture & Agribusiness, USDA FSIS /

OFW Law’s USDA Practice Head, John Dillard, will be providing a free webinar on USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) regulatory requirements for labeling meat and poultry products on July 12th (Wednesday) at Noon Eastern. The webinar is hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center and is open to the public — CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. John’s

Dillard to Provide Webinar on USDA Meat and Poultry Labeling Requirements Read More »

June Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, FDA, Government Relations /

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from June that should be highlighted. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do

June Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

FDA Issues First Draft Guidance on Clinical Trials with Psychedelic Drugs

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Cannabis, FDA, Government Relations /

On Friday, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its first draft guidance on the conduct of clinical trials for psychedelic drugs. The Draft Guidance for Industry, Psychedelic Drugs: Considerations for Clinical Investigations, if finalized, will guide researchers investigating psychedelics as potential treatments for medical conditions.  There has been significant media, marketing, and legislative interest

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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

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SCOTUS Upholds Prop 12 – What This Means for the Pork Industry

USDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness /

On May 11, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) upheld, in a 5-4 decision, a California law restricting the sale of pork in California. In National Pork Producers Council v. Ross, SCOTUS was tasked with answering the question: “Does a California law that prohibits the sale of pork from animals confined in

SCOTUS Upholds Prop 12 – What This Means for the Pork Industry Read More »

January Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Cannabis, FDA /

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from January that should be highlighted. If you have any questions or would like more information, please do

January Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap 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

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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

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Food Security a Priority at UN

Public Policy, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Food Distribution & International Trade, For Export, Government Relations /

Today, September 21, 2022, at the United Nations General Assembly, President Biden announced $2.9 billion in assistance to address global food insecurity and urged other countries to follow suit.  President Biden stressed: “If parents cannot feed their children, nothing else matters.”    This announcement comes as the Biden administration is taking serious steps to combat

Food Security a Priority at UN Read More »

August Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

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

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from August that we took note of. If you have any questions or would like more information, please

August Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

June Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

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

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from June that we took note of. If you have any questions or would like more information, please

June Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

Resources for Human and Animal Food Producers Affected by Severe Weather Incidents

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

On June 6, 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it released an online page providing both federal and state resources and contacts available for human and animal food producers who may be “harvesting, mixing, storing, or distributing grains and other foods” prior to and after experiencing a severe or inclement weather event

Resources for Human and Animal Food Producers Affected by Severe Weather Incidents Read More »

May Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, FDA, Food Distribution & International Trade, USDA /

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from May that we took note of. If you have any questions or would like more information, please

May Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

April Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, EPA, FDA, Food Distribution & International Trade, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, USDA, USDA FSIS /

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from April that we took note of. If you have any questions or would like more information, please

April Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

New Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) Phase 1 To Provide $750 Million in Relief to Livestock Producers  

Agriculture & Agribusiness, USDA /

On April 4, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the new Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP). The first phase of ELRP (i.e., Phase 1) will provide payments to producers who faced increased supplemental feed costs as a result of forage losses

New Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) Phase 1 To Provide $750 Million in Relief to Livestock Producers   Read More »

March Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

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

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from March that we took note of. If you have any questions or would like more information, please

March Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

How to Avoid Receiving Charge Letters from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service: Do’s and Don’ts for SNAP Retailers

USDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness /

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) pursuant to a delegation from Congress and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FNS authorizes more than 250,000 retail food stores, large and small, across the country and ensures that SNAP retailers adhere to the requirements of the Food and

How to Avoid Receiving Charge Letters from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service: Do’s and Don’ts for SNAP Retailers Read More »

February Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, FDA, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Health Care, Public Policy, USDA /

OFW’s Food & Agriculture team regularly monitors announcements and policy issuances from FDA, USDA, and other agencies to keep our clients apprised of regulatory developments that may impact their business. Here are a few of the developments from February that we took note of. If you have any questions or would like more information, please

February Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap Read More »

Infant Formula Recall Triggers Concerns for WIC Beneficiaries

Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Food Distribution & International Trade, SNAP, USDA /

On February 17, 2022, following consumer complaints relating to the presence of pathogens in Similac, Alimentu, and EleCare, Abbott issued a voluntary recall for certain lots of those powdered infant formula products. Abbott’s recall is broad, applies to all distribution levels (domestic and international), and includes all lots manufactured in its Sturgis, Michigan facility with

Infant Formula Recall Triggers Concerns for WIC Beneficiaries 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

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Farmers and Ranchers Can Now Access Online Reporting Portal to Report Potentially Unfair and Anticompetitive Practices

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

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) launched an online reporting portal, located at USDA’s Farmer Fairness website, to advance the goals of the “Biden-Harris Administration’s Action Plan for a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain” (the Action Plan).   By way of review,

Farmers and Ranchers Can Now Access Online Reporting Portal to Report Potentially Unfair and Anticompetitive Practices Read More »

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