As October 2024 comes to a close, the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) has made significant strides in providing essential research and information to stakeholders across the agricultural and food law sectors. The center has been active in outreach, education, and collaboration, ensuring that farmers, policymakers, and legal professionals are well-informed about the evolving landscape of agricultural law.
Throughout the month, NALC staff participated in various events, both in-person and online, aimed at enhancing understanding of critical issues facing the agriculture industry. Harrison Pittman, NALC Director, highlighted the importance of these interactions, particularly in light of recent legal developments such as the Chevron deference case, which has implications for regulatory authority in agriculture. On October 1, Pittman presented at the Agribusiness Association Administrators meeting in New Orleans, followed by another presentation at the Barnes & Thornburg Fall Harvest Conference in Indianapolis on October 2. These gatherings provided a platform for discussing the future of the agricultural industry post-Chevron, a topic that resonates deeply with stakeholders concerned about regulatory clarity and compliance.
In addition to Pittman’s efforts, the NALC team has focused on engaging with lawmakers to ensure that agricultural interests are represented in legislative discussions. On October 20, multiple staff members, including Pittman, participated in a meeting with Congressional staffers in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This meeting was pivotal in fostering dialogue about the center’s resources and the legal challenges facing farmers today.
Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney, also played a key role in October’s outreach. He provided an online overview of the Rancher’s Ag Leasing Handbook during the 14th Annual Cooperative Extension Program’s Landowners Conference on October 3. This resource is crucial for landowners navigating the complexities of agricultural leases. Rumley further contributed to the conversation around landowner liability and agritourism statutes during an in-person presentation at the Urban Armed to Farm event in New Orleans on October 9. His insights are particularly valuable for landowners looking to diversify their income streams through agritourism.
The NALC’s commitment to education extended to environmental issues as well. Brigit Rollins, Staff Attorney, conducted several online presentations addressing the intersection of environmental regulations and agriculture. On October 2, she unveiled the EPA’s herbicide strategy during a session for Illinois Soy, followed by discussions on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and its implications for pesticides and the Monarch butterfly. These presentations, delivered to organizations such as Western Growers and the Midwest Soybean Collective, underscore the NALC’s proactive approach to educating stakeholders about regulatory changes that could impact agricultural practices.
The center’s outreach efforts also included engagement with academic institutions. Emily Stone, another Staff Attorney, met with the University of Arkansas Food & Ag Law Society on October 24 to introduce the NALC as a research resource. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between legal scholars and practitioners, further enriching the agricultural law discourse.
The NALC’s dedication to providing timely and relevant information is evident in its diverse range of activities throughout October. With ongoing challenges in agricultural law, including regulatory changes and environmental concerns, the center’s role as a trusted resource is more critical than ever. By facilitating discussions among stakeholders and lawmakers, NALC is not only enhancing the understanding of agricultural law but also advocating for the interests of the agricultural community. As the year progresses, the center’s commitment to outreach and education will likely continue to shape the future of agricultural law in the United States.