As July comes to a close, the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) has been diligently providing stakeholders with up-to-date research and information on agricultural and food law. The center’s efforts this month have spanned various platforms, including blog posts, news releases, webinars, and publications, ensuring that critical legal insights reach those who need them most.
The NALC’s outreach efforts have been particularly robust, with staff members presenting at numerous conferences and events across the country. Harrison Pittman, NALC Director, kicked off the month with a live interview on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, discussing the nuances of foreign investments in U.S. land. Pittman also presented at the Arkansas Farm Bureau’s Officers and Leaders Conference, the Southern Crop Protection Association’s Annual Meeting, and the Indiana Ag Policy Summit, covering topics such as the Marketing and Agricultural Heritage Act (MAHA) and the state of play on USDA reorganization, foreign ownership, and pesticides.
Elizabeth Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney, delivered a keynote address at the Poultry Science Association Annual meeting, focusing on agricultural law as it affects poultry production, processing, research, marketing, and regulatory activities. Rusty Rumley, also a Senior Staff Attorney, presented on agricultural labor and landowner liability at the Center for Arkansas Farms and Food. Brigit Rollins and Emily Stone, Staff Attorneys, jointly presented on MAHA and Endangered Species Act updates at the Northeast Rice and Research and Extension Center Rice and Row Crop Field Day.
The NALC’s media presence has been significant, with mentions in various outlets discussing a range of topics. Notably, the Supreme Court’s silence on a request related to Roundup, a widely used herbicide, has garnered attention. The court’s decision on whether to hear a case challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) approval of Roundup’s main ingredient, glyphosate, could have far-reaching implications for farmers and the agricultural industry. The EPA’s recent proposal to re-approve dicamba, another controversial weed killer, has also been a hot topic, with implications for farmers and environmental groups alike.
The USDA’s actions on foreign ownership of farmland amid tensions with China have been another significant development. The agency’s efforts to monitor and regulate foreign investments in U.S. farmland aim to protect national security and agricultural interests. This topic has been widely discussed in the media, with NALC’s Pittman contributing to the conversation through his C-SPAN interview and subsequent media mentions.
Other notable topics covered by the NALC include the state and federal checkoff landscape, agricultural labor issues, and the Endangered Species Act. These topics highlight the complex legal environment in which farmers and agricultural businesses operate, and the NALC’s role in providing clear, concise, and accurate information to stakeholders.
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the NALC’s work remains crucial in ensuring that stakeholders are informed and equipped to navigate the legal landscape. The center’s efforts in July 2025 underscore its commitment to providing trusted research and information in agricultural and food law, helping to shape the future of the industry.