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Government Relations

Meat and poultry plant manager walking an idle processing line with a government relations lawyer

Meat and Poultry Government Relations Lawyer: FSIS, Congress, and USDA Policy

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations /

Meat and poultry companies usually call legal counsel when FSIS has already acted. A Notice of Intended Enforcement lands. A HACCP verification issue triggers a same-day response. A labeling question turns into a hold, a recall discussion, or a noncompliance record. What I see less often is a government relations lawyer at the table while

Meat and Poultry Government Relations Lawyer: FSIS, Congress, and USDA Policy Read More »

Lab review of a sealed ingredient jar by a scientist and a regulatory director under food safety legislation

Food Safety Legislation and Government Advocacy: How Industry Shapes Federal Policy

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

The Food Safety Modernization Act moved through Congress after years of pressure from outbreaks, committee work, consumer groups, food companies, and trade associations. FDA did not write a new food safety statute on its own. Congress did, and the record that made FSMA passable was built long before President Obama signed it on January 4,

Food Safety Legislation and Government Advocacy: How Industry Shapes Federal Policy Read More »

Veterinarian and production manager discussing animal health policy outside a poultry house

Animal Health Policy and Federal Advocacy: What Livestock, Poultry, and Veterinary Companies Need to Know

USDA, Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations /

Animal health policy gets harder to manage when a company treats USDA as one regulator with one set of tools. I would not advise a client to do that. APHIS and FSIS share a cabinet department; after that, the similarities fade quickly. For livestock, poultry, and veterinary product companies, that split often decides whether a

Animal Health Policy and Federal Advocacy: What Livestock, Poultry, and Veterinary Companies Need to Know Read More »

Grain grower and policy advisor in a soybean field discussing the federal crop insurance program

Federal Crop Insurance Program: Appropriations, Advocacy, and What Agriculture Companies Need to Know

Agriculture & Agribusiness, Government Relations /

Crop insurance doesn’t sit still while everyone waits on the next Farm Bill. Every year, appropriators decide how much room the federal crop insurance program has for RMA staffing, product review, report language, and operating instructions from Congress. If your company watches only the Farm Bill, you miss the annual decisions that shape how crop

Federal Crop Insurance Program: Appropriations, Advocacy, and What Agriculture Companies Need to Know Read More »

Regulatory intelligence analyst reviewing federal rulemaking signals at a Washington DC desk

Regulatory Intelligence and Monitoring for Food and Agriculture Companies: Getting Ahead of Policy Before It Gets Ahead of You

Government Relations /

Regulatory intelligence is the systematic monitoring that flags a federal rule 12 to 36 months before it is proposed. Where the early signals appear, which sources to track, and what to do when a threat surfaces.

Regulatory Intelligence and Monitoring for Food and Agriculture Companies: Getting Ahead of Policy Before It Gets Ahead of You Read More »

Grocery store owner and a food policy advisor by a produce display discussing federal nutrition programs

Federal Nutrition Programs and Farm Bill Advocacy: SNAP, WIC, and the Role of Government Relations Counsel

Government Relations /

Every five years, Congress rewrites the rules that govern federal nutrition programs, and the food industry rarely gets a seat at the table until the drafting is nearly finished. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), school meal programs, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program

Federal Nutrition Programs and Farm Bill Advocacy: SNAP, WIC, and the Role of Government Relations Counsel Read More »

Congressional hearing preparation

Congressional Hearing Preparation for Food Industry Companies: A Legal Guide to Oversight, Investigations, and Witness Defense

Government Relations, Public Policy, Uncategorized /

Congressional oversight of the food industry has intensified. Whether the trigger is a high-profile recall, a food safety outbreak, a supply chain failure, or a policy dispute with a federal agency, food companies increasingly face committee inquiries, document requests, and formal hearing summons. Your regulatory affairs team knows how to manage FDA inspections and USDA

Congressional Hearing Preparation for Food Industry Companies: A Legal Guide to Oversight, Investigations, and Witness Defense Read More »

Government Affairs compliance risks

Government Affairs Compliance Risks: LDA, FARA & Gift Rule Violations

Government Relations, Public Policy /

Your company engages with federal policymakers, employs government relations professionals, and operates what appears to be a standard advocacy program. Yet one inadvertent lobbying disclosure error, unregistered foreign agent activity, or gift rule violation triggers investigations that expose your organization to civil penalties, criminal prosecution, and permanent reputational damage. I know this because government affairs

Government Affairs Compliance Risks: LDA, FARA & Gift Rule Violations Read More »

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 range of

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 help

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

OFW Adds Seasoned Advocate to Government Relations Practice

Government Relations, OFW Law News /

Washington, DC, July 24, 2024 – OFW is pleased to announce Eric Steiner has joined Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz’s (OFW) Government Relations team as a Senior Policy Advisor. Steiner has previously led in-house government relations work at Kraft Foods, Elanco Animal Health, and on behalf of industry groups, including the National Association of Wheat

OFW Adds Seasoned Advocate to Government Relations Practice 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 »

OFW’s Szemraj Discusses Farm Policy Dynamics

Government Relations /

On January 12th, 2024, during an interview with Agri-Pulse (found here), OFW’s own Roger Szemraj discussed farm policy dynamics on Capitol Hill and what he’s watching in the weeks ahead. Szemraj noted that the spending figures agreed to for the FY 2024 Appropriations bills were largely in line with Fiscal Responsibility Act, but allocation across individual

OFW’s Szemraj Discusses Farm Policy Dynamics Read More »

June Food and Agriculture Regulatory Recap

Agriculture & Agribusiness, FDA, Government Relations /

On June 21, 2023, USDA issued Grants of Inspection (GOI) to two companies that intend to manufacture cell-cultured chicken products, Upside Foods and Good Meat Company (as well as a Good Meat co-packer, Joinn Biologics). Along with the GOI, FSIS released FSIS Directive 7800.1, “FSIS Responsibilities in Establishments Producing Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry Food Products,”

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

FDA Issues First Draft Guidance on Clinical Trials with Psychedelic Drugs 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 »

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 »

Federal Cannabis Updates: New Cannabis Policy Expert at FDA and Executive Announcement on Marijuana Reform 

Cannabis, FDA, Government Relations /

At the end of September, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hired cannabis policy expert Norman Birenbaum as a Senior Public Health Advisor at FDA’s Center for Regulatory Programs. Mr. Birenbaum comes to FDA with a deep background in regulation in several state cannabis departments.  Most recently, in New York State he served

Federal Cannabis Updates: New Cannabis Policy Expert at FDA and Executive Announcement on Marijuana Reform  Read More »

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 the

Food Security a Priority at UN 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 »

White House Announces Nutrition Conference

Government Relations, Public Policy /

The White House announced the long-awaited White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, to be held in Washington this September, with the specific date yet to be announced. As the White House announcement said: “The Biden-Harris Administration has set a goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity in the U.S. by 2030

White House Announces Nutrition Conference Read More »

Declaration of a National Emergency Extended; Important Beyond Protecting the Public from the Risks of COVID-19

FDA, Food Manufacturing, Processing, and Marketing, Government Relations, Health Care /

On February 23, 2022, the Administration published in the Federal Register a Notice of “Continuation of the National Emergency Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic” to extend the national emergency declaration from  March 13, 2020.  The 2020 Declaration was due to expire on March 1, 2022 and, with this Administrative Order, the national emergency continues,

Declaration of a National Emergency Extended; Important Beyond Protecting the Public from the Risks of COVID-19 Read More »

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, On

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

Federal Vaccine Mandates – Where Things Stand Read More »

6th Circuit Selected in Lottery to Hear Lawsuits against OSHA ETS Vaccine and Testing Mandate

Agriculture & Agribusiness, CPSC, EPA, FDA, Government Relations, Health Care, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Public Policy, USDA, USDA FSIS /

On November 16, 2021, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, through a lottery system, drew the 6th Circuit as the U.S. Court of Appeals that will hear the consolidated lawsuits against the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) published in the Federal Register on November 5, 2021. The OSHA ETS, which

6th Circuit Selected in Lottery to Hear Lawsuits against OSHA ETS Vaccine and Testing Mandate 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 »

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