Don’t miss our very own Ken Ackerman at the 2013 USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum tomorrow, February 21, moderating the panel discussion on Managing Financial Risk in Agriculture. Appearing with Ken will be: Juan Garcia, Administrator, Farm Service Agency, USDA Joel Nelsen, President, California Citrus Mutual, Exeter, California Denny Everson, President of Agriculture, Branch Administrator, First Dakota […]
USDA Ag Outlook Forum Tomorrow Read More »
On February 8, 2013, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a proposed rule entitled “Nutrition Standards for All Foods Sold in School as Required by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010” (the proposed rule). The proposed rule can be found here. Public comments are invited
Competitive Foods Rule Read More »
On February 8, 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) policy on “Test and Hold” will go into effect. This policy requires “official establishments and importers of record to maintain control of product tested for adulterants by FSIS and not allow such products to enter commerce until negative results
USDA-FSIS’ “Test and Hold” Policy Read More »
USDA’s National Appeals Division Upholds Farm Service Agency’s “Finality Rule” By Kenneth D. Ackerman Recently, we at OFW Law had the chance to help two Connecticut farmers win rulings from USDA’s National Appeals Division forcing the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to respect their rights under the Finality Rule, an important protection for farmers who participate in USDA programs. Many farmers operate
A Victory for Farmers Read More »
We are pleased to announce that Janie Hipp, Esq., formerly with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), will be joining OFW Law as Of Counsel. Hipp is a nationally recognized expert on Indian Law, with a focus on agriculture and energy policy, who served as Senior Advisor to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Please click the
Former USDA Official Janie Hipp Joins OFW Law as Of Counsel Read More »
By Kenneth D. Ackerman The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Appeals Division (NAD) is a great forum for farmers who have disputes with USDA agencies, and want to address them quickly and inexpensively. I often advise farmers that NAD is the best option to obtain a fair, neutral ruling on their situation from a hearing officer
RMA Should Change the Rules on Its Ineligible List Read More »
Now that that the Christmas stockings, Hanukkah menorahs and Kwanzaa harvest symbols have been put away until year end, and resolutions for 2013 have been written (and hopefully not broken yet!), it’s time for a little reflection. What follows is my month-by-month list of noteworthy events of 2012 in the food, drug, medical device and
2012 in the Rear View Mirror Read More »
As the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) begins to conduct Food Safety Assessments (FSA) at beef slaughter establishments to verify controls for Pathogenic Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC), establishments should ensure that they have systems in place that are effective for pathogenic STEC. Preventing contamination, effective use of interventions, and verification of the
What Should an Establishment Consider in Controlling Pathogenic STECs? Read More »
It’s safe to say there is no love lost between the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC). HSUS is the so-called animal rights organization devoted to ending modern animal agriculture. The NPPC is the voice of America’s hog farmers on policy and advocacy issues. Needless to say,
By Brett T. Schwemer, as published in the October 2012 issue of The National Provisioner. This summer, the focus of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has clearly been on the control of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli and Salmonella in certain raw meat or poultry products. However, a recent FSIS Notice
Updated FSIS Guideline Refocuses Attention on Listeria Control Read More »
