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 Zuriel, Inc. v. Galbreath, 2016 WL 2593824 (Wash. Ct. App. May 5, 2016) plaintiffs leased farmland to grow potatoes, but were not told defendants treated the field with herbicides making it unfit for potato farming. Affirmed for plaintiffs on theory of negligent misrepresentation.

At issue in Gerawan Farming, Inc. v. Agric. Labor Relations Bd., 2016 WL 2732128 (Cal. Ct. App. May 9, 2016) is right of the public to attend the binding arbitration meeting of a labor dispute. Case remanded to consider the “historic tradition” and utility of public access to such a proceeding.

S.2911: A bill to amend the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921, to make it unlawful for a packer to own, feed, or control livestock intended for slaughter.

This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for review before it goes to the Senate floor. Sponsor: Sen. Charles “Chuck” Grassley [R-IA]

S.2917: A bill to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to ensure protections of futures customers, to provide relief for farmers, ranchers, and end-users that manage risk to help keep consumer costs low, and for other purposes.

This bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for review before it goes to the Senate floor. Sponsor: Sen. Pat Roberts [R-KS]

House Committee on Agriculture: Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry Meeting, May 17 at 10 a.m.
This Committee Meeting focuses on the Farm Economy: Impacts of Environmental Regulations and Voluntary Conservation Solutions. Location is: LHOB 1300.

Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Water and Power Meeting, May 17 at 2 p.m.
These hearings will examine a number of Senate bills on water impacting Colorado and California. Details here.

Senate Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Meeting, May 17 at 4 p.m.
This meeting is to revise an original bill entitled, “Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017”. The meeting location is: SD-124. Details here.

House Committee on Agriculture Meeting, May 18 at 10 a.m.
This Committee Meeting will consider “Service in the Field: Veteran Contributions to National Food Security.” Location is: LHOB 1300.

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT: Notice that the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board will meet from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. EDT on May 23-24 at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC. Info here.