The FTCLDF protects the rights of farmers and consumers to engage in direct commerce; it protects the rights of farmers to sell the products of the farm and the rights of consumers to access the foods of their choice from the source of their choice. FTCLDF is a true grassroots organization and receives no government funding and little or no corporate funding.

 

THE BIG PICTURE

FTCLDF levels the playing field, making it more difficult for the government to win wars of attrition that drag farmers through administrative and judicial hearings; membership enables members to spend their resources on farming instead of lawyers. In addition to litigation, FTCLDF’s work includes advising on state legislation, working at the administrative level on matters before federal and state governments, and day-to-day member services. Member services have included work on the following: zoning, complaints from neighbor(s), on-farm poultry processing, disputes with farmers market managers, and slaughterhouse regulations. Emergency member services are available 24/7 through a paging system.  This benefit has been a legal lifeline to farmers, buying clubs and even consumers at the middle of a government enforcement action.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

  • unlimited consultation with attorneys on matters within its mission statement;
  • any contractual documents it provides, e.g., herdshare contracts, buyers club agreements, etc.;
  • unlimited consultation with FTCLDF board member and dairy farmer, Tim Wightman, on matters related to farm operations;
  • toll-free emergency hotline to speak with an attorney if there is a surprise visit or inspection from a government agency;
  • the possibility of legal representation on matters that are within FTCLDF’s mission statement at no additional cost.

Why Become a Member?

  • Consumers – help protect your food freedom and contribute to more options for you
  • Farmers – provide training, resources, legal advice, and legal representation in some cases
  • Homesteaders – provide same resources as for farmers, but at lower cost

Special Membership Offer only for Beyond Off Grid subscribers

Executive Director John Moody has been gracious to offer us membership signup discounts for a limited time!

Get the following discounts using the codes provided:

  • Save $5 off Consumer membership – Use code BOG5
  • Save $10 off Homesteader membership – Use code BOG10
  • Save $15 off Farmer membership – Use code BOG15
Sign up as a Farm to Consumer Member

Discount Only Available Until Saturday, Feb 6th at midnight Eastern Time

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In the News – The Fight for Food Freedom

Urban farmer’s yard draws small-city crackdown

Urban farmer Steve Hess, who sells fruit at local farmers markets, has joined his wife, Glenna, in filing a lawsuit against the small eastern Louisville city, seeking to overturn several recent findings of code violations and seeking the right to continue to grow trellises of raspberries and blackberries, tall native wildflowers and have an exterior plug with weather protection for their electric car.

Read the full story

FTCLDF Member Anthony Bavuso Wins Virginia Right to Farm Case

Anthony Bavuso lives on the same property where he has his oyster farm. In November 2011, the York County Zoning administrator issued a determination letter stating that the county zoning code prohibited a farm and residence from existing on the same property under the zoning classification applicable to Bavuso’s land unless a special use permit was obtained to farm. Read the full story

Shady Grove Farm Protected by Right to Farm Act

The Right to Farm Act was invoked as a defense when the family farm was sued by Forsyth Township for having approximately 150 chickens and 8 sheep on their 6.5 acres; the Buchlers sell eggs and wool produced on the farm. Because the area where they farm is not zoned for agriculture, the township sought an injunction to halt the farming activities. The judge held that the Right to Farm Act controlled over the township zoning ordinance. Read the full story