In a significant shift for the agricultural sector, two leading legal experts will explore the implications of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision during the upcoming 12th Annual Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference. The session, titled “Shifting Sands: Agency Authority, Ag, & Food in a Post-Chevron World,” will be co-led by Grant Ballard of Ark Ag Law and John Dillard from OFW Law. The conference, scheduled for June 5-6 at the University of Memphis, is co-hosted by the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation.
The Supreme Court’s decision in June 2024 regarding Loper Bright Enters v. Raimondo has overturned the Chevron doctrine, a legal principle that has governed federal agency authority since its establishment in 1984. Under the Chevron doctrine, courts typically deferred to federal agencies’ interpretations of their own regulations when disputes arose. This ruling has far-reaching implications for federal regulatory power, particularly within the heavily regulated agricultural industry.
Harrison Pittman, director of the NALC, emphasized the significance of this judicial shift. “Agriculture is the most heavily regulated industry in the United States, so any change in the scope of agency authority is a very huge deal,” he noted. The Supreme Court’s decision not only alters the balance of power between agencies and the courts but also raises questions about the future of federal oversight in agriculture and food production.
Ballard and Dillard are well-equipped to navigate these complexities. Ballard, a partner at Ark Ag Law, has extensive experience in dealing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other federal bodies. His expertise spans a range of issues, including farm program payment disputes, wetlands regulations, and federal crop insurance matters. Dillard, on the other hand, brings a wealth of knowledge related to food industry regulations, particularly in his interactions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their combined insights are expected to provide attendees with a deep understanding of the new regulatory landscape.
The conference will not only feature this pivotal session but also a variety of other presentations on agricultural law and environmental issues. The main program will be preceded by a networking dinner, the “Beer & BBQ” event, which aims to foster connections among professionals in the field. Additionally, for those unable to attend in person, a livestream option will be available, ensuring that a broader audience can engage with the discussions.
As the agricultural sector grapples with the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling, discussions like those at the Mid-South Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference will be crucial. Stakeholders, including farmers, legal practitioners, and policymakers, will need to reassess their strategies in light of the changing regulatory environment. With the potential for increased litigation and a reevaluation of agency authority, the agricultural community is poised for a period of adaptation and transformation.
The upcoming session promises to shed light on these emerging challenges and opportunities, making it a must-attend event for anyone involved in the food and agriculture sectors. As the landscape of federal regulation evolves, the insights shared by Ballard and Dillard will be invaluable in helping industry professionals navigate the shifting sands of agency authority in a post-Chevron world.