We know that people often disagree with any number of the different regulations that have been put in place for the administration of USDA’s programs – agricultural program operations, nutrition programs, rural development programs, energy programs, conservation programs, and the list goes on. Well, now is the chance to speak up. In the Federal Register […]
So Which USDA Regulations Would You Like to Change? Read More »
Trade policy may present an opportunity for the Obama Administration and the Congress to work together in a bipartisan manner but it is sure not unanimous. While Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative’s Chief Agriculture Negotiator Darci Vetter are making the case for Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), Senator Ron Wyden, the Senior Democrat on
Trade is Critical to Rural America; Agriculture is Key to TPA Read More »
Mention the word “drone” and most people think of our nation’s military activities in the Middle East. However, over the last few years, unmanned aircraft is finding its way into new civilian applications. Small drones, which are also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), when equipped with sophisticated cameras, can
The Drones are Coming! FAA Releases Proposed Rule on Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Read More »
Climate change is real and GM technology is safe, but those in denial want to undermine the public understanding of science with misinformation and pseudo-debate By Nina Fedoroff, Peter Raven and Phillip Sharp, as published in The Guardian The authors are former presidents of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Barely a week goes
GM Opponents are Science Deniers Read More »
The White House (via the Department of Commerce) has released a “discussion draft” of consumer privacy legislation intended to codify President Obama’s 2012 Consumer Data Privacy In A Networked World: A Framework For Protecting Privacy And Promoting Innovation In The Global Digital Economy. The 2012 Framework included a Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights and called
Privacy Update: White House Drops Draft Consumer Privacy Bill . . . Splat! Read More »
The State of California has a reputation for leading in many ways – especially in the area of government regulations. Now, they have bit off almost more than they can chew. Certainly, the disadvantaged will not be chewing on many eggs since the State has more than doubled the price of eggs. A dozen eggs now
John Block: Chickens and Eggs Read More »
The passage of the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) in November 2013 led to a very busy 2014 as FDA and manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and dispensers began the statute’s complex 10-year implementation. 2015 promises to be equally busy. A Surge Of Activity At Year-End In 2014 2014 closed in a flurry of DSCSA action.
Drug Supply Chain Security Act – What’s Next? A whole lot. Read More »
Contact: Marshall Matz (202) 789-1212; [email protected] or Marion Watkins (202) 654-4863; [email protected] “As co-author with Senator George McGovern of the original 1977 ‘Dietary Goals for the United States’ report, I commend the USDA, HHS and its Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee for continuing to focus attention on human nutrition. The Committee’s recently-released report notes the staggering numbers of
Statement by Senator Bob Dole on Nutrition Report Read More »
The Global Child Nutrition Foundation is proud to announce Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack as the recipient of the 2015 Gene White Lifetime Achievement Award for Child Nutrition. Please join the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF) and its partners in honoring Secretary Vilsack for his remarkable achievements in child nutrition at GCNF’s Annual Gala Reception. Now
Global Child Nutrition Foundation to Honor Secretary Vilsack on April 16th Read More »
By Marshall Matz and Dr. Nina Fedoroff, as published in Agri-Pulse The new study on genetically engineered (GE) crops now being conducted by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, deserves your attention. It has the potential to impact the agriculture economy, food prices and global food security. The NAS is
The NAS is Examining GE Crops Read More »
We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nina Fedoroff, a renowned plant molecular biologist, has joined OFW Law as Senior Science Advisor focusing on agriculture policy, global food security and government affairs. The former Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State, Dr. Fedoroff has long been involved in regulatory issues surrounding genetic modification of organisms (GMOs)
Dr. Nina Fedoroff Joins OFW Law as Senior Science Advisor Read More »
Last year in January, I presented my wish list for 2014. Let’s take a look at how that worked out. Wish No. 1: “Get a farm bill passed.” To my surprise, we did. Wish No. 2: “Deal with our immigration problem.” Well, the Congress didn’t, but President Obama did a little bit. The fact is
John Block: Wish List Read More »
How many of you out there think that we would be well-advised to spend some money repairing our roads and bridges? What about our locks and dams and seaports that carry our grain to countries around the world? Are you aware that our Federal Highways Trust Fund will be running out of money this spring?
As the 114th Congress begins in earnest, there is rough sledding ahead this winter over the gulf between the governing philosophies of the President and the new Congress. Not to belabor the obvious, but early indications are that Republican victories have altered the President’s willingness to deal only very modestly, if at all. With just
114th Congress – What to Expect in Ag and Food Read More »
Before Christmas, I hosted the annual Cabinet Secretaries lunch at the famous Blair House. The Blair House is right across the street from the White House. It provides overnight lodging for dignitaries visiting the President. In fact, the Blair House is where President Reagan held his first Cabinet meeting in January 1981 before he had
John Block: Cabinet Luncheon 2014 Read More »
Dr. Janey Thornton, the USDA Deputy Under-Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, has resigned her post effective at close of business Friday, January 9, 2015. She will be returning to Kentucky to turn her attention to important family needs. Also, Sam Kass has left the White House as Executive Director of Let’s Move! and
Two Obama Nutrition Leaders Move On Read More »
Year 2014 is history now. It seemed like a lot of bad things happened. After fighting in the Middle East for more than a decade to neutralize the terrorists and bring stability to Iraq, overnight Islamic State militants took over half of Syria and Iraq. The sacrifices made over there have gone up in flames.
John Block: Look Back at 2014 Read More »
In what seemed like a bit of end-of-year housekeeping, FDA issued a series of minor guidance documents, notices, and other regulatory paraphernalia related to food. Coming in under the wire in 2014 were: A notice requesting nominations for non-voting industry representatives to the Food Advisory Committee. Nominations are due by January 7, 2015. FDA is
A Flurry of End-of-Year Activity from FDA on Food Read More »
As we say goodbye to 2014 and welcome 2015, it’s time for a little backward and forward looking. Here’s what we saw in the 2014 rear view mirror in our little corner of the Universe devoted to the regulatory aspects of foods, drugs, medical devices, agriculture, and the like. In January, the Food and Drug
2014 was certainly an interesting year to be involved in agriculture. We got to see supply and demand in full effect. Good weather sent grain prices tumbling while continuing tight supplies have kept cattle prices soaring. The Republicans made strong gains and will enter 2015 with control of both the House and Senate. While I
10 Things to Watch in 2015 Read More »
By Marshall L. Matz, as published in Agri-Pulse The United Nations-Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has declared 2015 the International Year of Soils. The year kicked off on December 5, 2014, with events in Rome, New York and Chile, all in an effort to raise awareness and promote more sustainable use of this critical resource. “Healthy soils
2015: The Year of Soils Read More »
In a flurry of end-of-year activity, FDA recently issued a Draft Guidance on the express preemption provisions in §585 of the FDC Act, added last year by the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (or DSCSA). FDA, the pharmaceutical supply chain, and other stakeholders have been working very hard to implement the DSCSA as quickly as
FDA’s Draft Guidance On DSCSA Preemption Misses The Mark Read More »
Congress has completed action on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2015 (the Act), which funds eleven of the twelve regular Appropriation bills through September 30, 2015, the balance of fiscal 2015. Funding for the Homeland Security bill is provided under a Continuing Resolution through February 27. The House approved the Act on Thursday, December 11,
Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to examine FDA’s role in the regulation of genetically engineered foods (commonly, but inaccurately, referred to as “genetically modified organisms” or “GMOs”). Congressman Mike Pompeo’s (R-KS) Safe and Affordable Food Act (H.R. 4432), which would preempt state GMO labeling laws and require labeling only
OFW Law’s John Dillard will be kicking off this year’s Ohio Food, Agriculture and Environmental Law Webinar Series with a discussion on two cutting-edge topics affecting agriculture: agricultural drones and “big data.” Mr. Dillard’s webinar will provide a brief primer on the current and potential applications for drone technology in agriculture. He will also discuss
Free Webinar on Big Data and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Read More »
A Complimentary Webinar Presented by OFW Law’s Tish Pahl and the Food Marketing Institute Thursday, December 4th, 2014 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm US/Eastern Please join FMI on a webinar with Tish Pahl —Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), beginning January 1, 2015, manufacturers, wholesaler drug distributors, and repackagers, must provide transaction data
Webinar Tomorrow: What Dispensers Need to Know About the Drug Supply Chain Security Act Read More »
This morning, FDA met another of its milestones in implementing the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and posted a Draft Guidance, DSCSA Standards for the Interoperable Exchange of Information for Tracing of Certain Human, Finished, Prescription Drugs: How to Exchange Product Tracing Information. FDA is to be commended for both getting the Draft Guidance
The DSCSA Standards Guidance is here! Read More »
Citing the obesity epidemic and the fact that Americans consume about one-third of total calories in the form of foods prepared outside the home, FDA yesterday issued two sweeping final rules on nutrition labeling of foods sold in chain restaurants and similar retail food establishments and vending machines. There had been considerable controversy over how
FDA Shares the Pain in Final Rules on Menu Labeling and Vending Machine Food Labeling Read More »
By Nina Fedoroff, Ken Cassman and Marshall L. Matz, as published in the Des Moines Register The Ghost of Christmas Future is the most fearsome character in “The Christmas Carol,” Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas story, giving Scrooge a glimpse of his bleak future. Horrified, Scrooge changes his selfish lifestyle in a heartbeat. An abundant Thanksgiving 2014 is
The Ghost of Thanksgiving Future Read More »
Recently, Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz, P.C., otherwise known as “OFW Law,” celebrated 35 years of business with colleagues, family, friends and clients. We were extremely proud to share this milestone with those who have helped make OFW Law one of the leading firms practicing USDA and FDA law today. Although OFW Law has expanded
Celebrating 35 Years of Success: USDA Practice Team Read More »
OFW Law Celebrates 35 Years of Successes in Drug/Healthcare Privacy Practices (Part VI) By Tish Eggleston Pahl In celebrating 35 years of practice, OFW Law’s Drugs, Biologics, and Controlled Substances and Healthcare Privacy practice groups are taking a look back to share some highlights throughout the years. Parts I, II, III, IV and V focus on
By Marshall L. Matz, as published in Agri-Pulse The “Feed the Future” initiative is aimed at improving agriculture productivity and economic development around the world. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the both the House and Senate to make this discretionary program permanent. The legislation (H.R. 5656; S.2909) has the support of private sector corporations as well
Feed the Future: A Bipartisan Opportunity Read More »
By Marshall L. Matz and Peter B. Matz, as published by the National Farmers Union Kudos to National Farmers Union for recognizing the link between family farming and meeting the challenge of global food security. Family farms are indeed the key to ending world hunger. First, for purposes of this blog, let’s define a smallholder farmer as anyone
Family Farms in Africa Read More »
OFW Law Celebrates 35 Years of Successes in Drug/Healthcare Privacy Practices (Part V) By Neil P. Di Spirito In celebrating 35 years of practice, OFW Law’s Drugs, Biologics, and Controlled Substances and Healthcare Privacy practice groups are taking a look back to share some highlights throughout the years. Parts I, II, III, and IV focused on
GMPs Have Long History That Precedes Application In Medical Products Read More »
OFW Law Celebrates 35 Years of Successes in Drug/Healthcare Privacy Practices (Part IV) By Tish Eggleston Pahl In celebrating 35 years of practice, OFW Law’s Drugs, Biologics, and Controlled Substances and Healthcare Privacy practice groups are taking a look back to share some highlights throughout the years. Parts I, II, and III focused on Hatch-Waxman, medical
26 Years, With 9 To Go…. 35 Years to Prescription Drug Traceability Read More »
