JBS’s Pilgrim’s Pride and J&F Plead Guilty to Price-Fixing and Bribery and Second Lawsuit Filed Against DEA Hemp Interim Rule

JBS subsidiary Pilgrim’s Pride pled guilty to price-fixing broiler chickens while JBS parent company J&F pled guilty to bribery. Also, a second lawsuit was filed against the DEA over its hemp interim rule and New York expanded its spotted lanternfly quarantine while a spotted lanternfly was detected in Oregon.

USDA Secretary Violates Hatch Act and Presidential Proclamation Halting Non-Immigrant Work Visas Enjoined by Federal Court

DOJ indicted six more poultry executives over alleged price fixing while the Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging Indiana's Right to Farm Act. Then, a federal court enjoined a Presidential Proclamation halting non-immigrant work visas and USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue was found in violation of the Hatch Act. Also, the Michigan Supreme Court invalidated the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Orders, and the Pa. Dept. of Agriculture and EPA signed Letter of Understanding.

USDA and FDA Sign Dairy Export MOU and 2014 Hemp Pilot Program Extended by Continuing Appropriations Act

USDA and FDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to coordinate and collaborate on dairy exports while a continuing appropriations act passed by Congress extends the 2014 Hemp Pilot Program. Also, a federal district court dismissed an antitrust lawsuit against several large meatpacking companies and the FTC closed the comment period on its proposed rule regarding “Made in USA” labeling.

Special Episode #6. Solar Leasing Part 2: Anatomy of a Solar Development Lease

Research Assistant Audry Thompson talks with Brook Duer, Center Staff Attorney, about the details of large-scale solar leases to familiarize landowners with the legal terms and concepts they need to know if they’ve been approached by a solar development company or are thinking of inquiring about solar development on their property.

DEA Hemp Interim Rule and Federal Beef Program Challenged, FDA Proposes Food Traceability Rule

A lawsuit filed by the Hemp Industries Association challenges DEA’s Hemp Interim Final Rule and R-CALF filed a suit against USDA’s establishment of qualified state beef councils MOUs under the federal Beef Checkoff Program. Then, FDA proposed a new food traceability rule and EPA issued a draft risk assessment of chlorpyrifos.

EPA Denies RFS Small Refinery Exemptions and U.S. Tariffs Violate WTO Trade Rules

EPA denied sixty-eight Renewable Fuel Standard small refinery exemptions and the World Trade Organization found that U.S. tariffs on Chinese products violate trade rules. Then, USDA announced a second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program direct payments. Also, OSHA cited Smithfield and JBS for failing to protect workers from COVID-19 and FDA issued its first-ever injunction over produce safety.

EPA Sued Over Pa, NY Chesapeake Bay Noncompliance and USDA Issues Egg Products Final Rule

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and several states filed lawsuits against EPA over Pennsylvania and New York’s noncompliance with Chesapeake Bay Agreement nutrient management and USDA issued a final rule on egg products inspection regulations. Also, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon dismissed a motion seeking an injunction against the rule defining Waters of the United States.

Special Episode #5 Solar Leasing: What Landowners Need to Know

Research Assistant Audry Thompson talks with Brook Duer, Center Staff Attorney about large-scale solar leasing and what landowners need to know if they’ve been approached by a solar development company or are thinking of inquiring about solar development on their property.

USDA Reopens Hemp Comment Period and “Product of USA” Labeling Lawsuit Dismissed

The USDA reopened the Comment Period for its 2019 Hemp Production Rule and a U.S. District Court dismissed a lawsuit alleging deceptive “Product of the USA” meat labeling. Also, Monsanto appealed its Roundup verdict to the California Supreme Court and the Sixth Circuit upheld the denial of an injunction for Michigan Emergency Order mandating COVID-19 testing for agricultural workers.

New Rule Changes Ag Payment Limitations, Eligibility and $1B Added to Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

USDA published a new rule amending definitions and language for ag subsidy payment eligibility and limitations while FDA and OSHA published a food operation COVID-19 checklist. Also, USDA and the President announced an additional $1 billion added to the Farmers to Families Food Box Program for a third round of distributions.