As May has drawn to a close, the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) has continued to provide invaluable research and insights into agricultural and food law, catering to stakeholders nationwide. The month of May 2024 saw the release of several new resources and a series of impactful presentations, webinars, and outreach efforts by the NALC staff.
**Blog Posts and Webinars**
The NALC has been actively updating its blog, “The Feed,” with timely articles that delve into pressing agricultural and food law issues. These blog posts serve as a critical resource for farmers, policymakers, and legal professionals looking to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. Complementing these written resources, the NALC has also hosted a series of webinars aimed at providing in-depth analyses and discussions on various topics.
**NALC Outreach Highlights**
Center Director Harrison Pittman was particularly active this month. On May 14, Pittman co-presented an online session titled “Ag Land Transactions: Navigating Title, Transparency Requirements, Foreign Ownership, & Related Issues” as part of the Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference’s “Early Bird” session. This presentation provided crucial insights into the complexities of agricultural land transactions, an issue that continues to gain importance as foreign ownership and transparency requirements evolve.
On May 20, Pittman delivered an in-person presentation at the Southern States Poultry Policy Discussion Meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas. His talk focused on the future of agricultural law and policy, providing a forward-looking perspective that is essential for stakeholders in the poultry industry.
Senior Staff Attorney Elizabeth Rumley was also heavily engaged in outreach activities. On May 14, she co-presented an online session titled “Prop 12, WOTUS, Farm Bill & More: Mid-Year Ag & Food Law Update” alongside Pittman and Staff Attorney Brigit Rollins. This session was part of the same Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference and offered a comprehensive update on several critical legal issues affecting agriculture.
Rumley continued her outreach with an in-person presentation on May 17 at the Arkansas Future Ag Leaders Tour in Little Rock. She discussed career opportunities within agricultural law and the resources available through the NALC. On May 22, Rumley delivered an online presentation for the Global Hog Industry Virtual Conference, focusing on the implications of California’s Proposition 12 and what the future might hold for the industry.
Senior Staff Attorney Rusty Rumley also made significant contributions throughout the month. On May 6, he presented in Fayetteville, Arkansas, discussing liability in value-added food production at the “Plan. Produce. Profit! Value-added Food Processing Opportunities in NWA” event. This presentation was particularly relevant for local producers looking to expand their operations.
On May 13, Rusty Rumley addressed the Mississippi Farm Bureau in Cleveland, Mississippi, discussing wind leasing, a topic of growing interest as renewable energy projects continue to expand across agricultural lands. He also spoke at the Huffaker Conference in Lubbock, Texas, on May 16, providing updates on solar energy, foreign ownership, pesticides, and administrative law.
Staff Attorney Brigit Rollins rounded out the month’s activities with her participation in the May 14 co-presentation on mid-year agricultural and food law updates. Additionally, she delivered in-person presentations on May 28-29 at the Illinois Farm Bureau in Bloomington, Illinois, focusing on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
**Implications for the Agricultural Sector**
The NALC’s comprehensive outreach and educational efforts underscore the importance of staying informed about the evolving landscape of agricultural and food law. With topics ranging from land transactions and foreign ownership to renewable energy and environmental regulations, the NALC’s work is crucial for helping stakeholders navigate the complex legal terrain.
These efforts not only provide immediate benefits to those in attendance but also contribute to the broader understanding and development of agricultural law and policy. As the agricultural sector continues to face new challenges and opportunities, the NALC remains a vital resource for ensuring that stakeholders are well-equipped to make informed decisions.