Webinars have become an essential tool for the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) in its mission to be the premier source of agricultural and food law research and information in the United States. Held on the third Wednesday of each month, these webinars are free and cover a wide array of timely and critical topics. They feature experts in agricultural and food law and policy, including NALC staff, partners, and outside specialists. Participants can engage directly with presenters by sending questions during the webinars, making these sessions highly interactive and informative.
For those who miss a live session, the NALC provides recordings of all past webinars on their Webinar Series page. Registered attendees also receive an email with a link to the recording the day after the presentation. This ensures that the valuable information shared during these sessions remains accessible to a broader audience.
One of the upcoming webinars is scheduled for August 21 and will address the topic, “Can Agriculture and Solar Co-Exist? Exploring the Promise and Challenge of Agrivoltaics.” Agrivoltaics involves the dual use of land for both solar panels and agricultural production, such as growing crops under or around solar panels, or allowing cattle to graze near photovoltaic installations. Peggy Hall, Director of The Ohio State University Extension Agriculture and Resource Law Program, and Jesse Richardson, a professor of law and lead land use attorney at West Virginia University, will discuss the potential benefits and challenges of this innovative method. This webinar promises to provide crucial insights into the future of sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.
On September 18, another important webinar will focus on the “Right to Repair and Agriculture.” Ross Pifer, Director of the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, will address whether agricultural producers can make repairs to their own equipment, especially when dealing with advanced technology. The Right to Repair statutes aim to ensure that farmers have the ability to maintain and repair their machinery, a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. Pifer will provide an update on the latest legislative developments, making this webinar particularly relevant for those in the agricultural sector.
In July, the NALC hosted a webinar on the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) titled “HPAI in Poultry and Cattle: How Can We Miss You If You Won’t Go Away?” Brook Duer, a staff attorney at the Penn State Center for Agricultural and Shale Law, explained the current state of the HPAI outbreak, how the virus mutated and transferred from wild birds to dairy cattle, and the response by USDA-APHIS. This session offered a comprehensive overview of the ongoing challenges posed by HPAI and the legal frameworks guiding the response efforts.
June marked the launch of the “Western Water” Webinar Series with a presentation on “Groundwater Recharge: Legal and Strategic Considerations of Project Development.” David Cameron, a partner at Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, discussed the legal and strategic considerations of groundwater recharge projects in the Western U.S. As water issues are particularly critical in this region, the series aims to address these unique challenges. NALC Director Harrison Pittman emphasized the center’s commitment to strengthening resources and support for stakeholders in the Western U.S., highlighting the importance of water management in agriculture.
For those interested in staying updated on future webinars, the NALC encourages subscribing to email notifications. They also welcome suggestions for future topics and invite individuals to reach out to NALC Director Harrison Pittman with their ideas.
As the NALC continues to expand its webinar offerings, it remains dedicated to providing valuable, up-to-date information to those involved in agricultural and food law, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed and equipped to navigate the complexities of this vital sector.