The following information is a comprehensive, though not necessarily exhaustive, summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Many of the summaries provide links to primary documents or websites with additional resources. Please email important additions to: camarigg@uark.edu


In Nat’l Wildlife Fed’n v. Nat’l Marine Fisheries Serv., No. 3:01-CV-00640-SI, 2016 WL 2353647 (D. Or. May 4, 2016), the court ruled that the 2014 Columbia Basin salmon biological opinion violates the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act, declaring it invalid. According to hydroworld.com, this is the fifth time federal courts have ruled Columbia Basin salmon plan illegal.

In Porter v. Harden, No. 15-0683, 2016 WL 2748270 (Iowa Ct. App. May 11, 2016), appellate court held that tenants’ grazing of horse on leasehold property made the leasehold a “farm tenancy” requiring notice of termination. The opinion may be viewed here.


H.R. 1887: To amend certain appropriation Acts to repeal the requirement directing the Administrator of General Services to sell Federal property and assets that support the operations of the Plum Island Animal Disease Center in Plum Island, New York.

This bill was added to the House’s schedule for the coming week. The committees assigned to the bill sent it to the House or Senate for consideration on April 28, 2016.


FARM CREDIT SYSTEM INSURANCE CORPORATION: Rule implements inflation adjustments to civil money penalties that the FCSIC may impose under the Farm Credit Act of 1971. Details here.

FOOD AND NUTRITION SERVICE: Notice inviting public to comment on the Agency’s proposed information collection for the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Info here.

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