A comprehensive summary of today’s judicial, legislative, and regulatory developments in agriculture and food. Email important additions to: camarigg at uark.edu

Cannon v. Sec’y, U.S. Dep’t of Agric., 2016 WL 2849459 (11th Cir. May 16, 2016), involved subsidy payments through the USDA’s Direct and Counter–Cyclical Payments Program. From 2005 through 2007, Cannon leased a farm and was paid subsidies after the USDA’s local Farm Service Agency approved his application. Cannon appealed the dismissal of his claim against Thomas Vilsack, Secretary of the USDA, for a violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Appellate court affirmed district court’s dismissal on grounds that plaintiff’s ECOA claim was “time-barred.”

H.R. 5298: To establish requirements regarding quality dates and safety dates in food labeling, and for other purposes. Bill referred to House Committee on Agriculture and House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review before sending it to the House. Sponsor: Rep. Chellie Pingree [D-ME1].

MEETING: House Committee on Natural Resources meets Tuesday, May 24 at 5 p.m. to consider H.R. 5278: ‘‘Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act” or “PROMESA”. Committee reconvenes on Wednesday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. (Location: LHOB 1324).

MEETING: House Committee on Appropriations will meet on May 25 at 11 a.m. to consider FY-2017 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill. (Location: RHOB B-308).

NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION:

Rule that Amendment 35 and this final rule removes black snapper, mahogany snapper, dog snapper, and schoolmaster from the FMP and the regulations, and revises regulations regarding the golden tilefish longline endorsement program. Details here.

RURAL HOUSING SERVICE:

Notice that RHS announces the availability of funding under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. Applicants must provide matching funds in an amount at least equal to the Federal grant. Info here.

Notice announcing availability of funds and the timeframe to submit proposals for FLH-TA grands. Info here.