Each week the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) receives a call or two from a farmer in distress. With the support of members and donors like you, we can continue to answer those calls.
Less than a decade ago, farmers had few places to turn for help when staring down the barrel of the "food police." Farmers were left to fold their arms and fold up shop in the face of overbearing regulations and the sometimes arbitrary requirements of local and federal agencies.
Today, however, FTCLDF supporters are providing a safety net to protect access to farm-fresh foods and raw dairy products by defending the faithful farmers and artisans who feed us.
The Annual FundRAISER has become a fun way to ensure there are adequate funds available to go to court when the time comes, to press for favorable legislation when the opportunity arises, and to handle the day-to-day needs of providing member services.
Donor gifts are a tangible way we can say, "Thanks for caring enough to help those on the frontlines and in the trenches of the food rights movement." By pooling resources, together we all accomplish more.
FTCLDF is truly a grassroots organization; funding comes from membership fees and donations, mostly from private individuals and a few like-minded businesses. Our sister nonprofit, the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation, is able to issue grants for
public interest litigation and much of that comes through private donations. Sales of activist gear (e.g., tees, buttons, etc.) actually serve more of an educational role in raising awareness while generating a modest income for the Fund.
The real work of the Fund centers on
- providing legal representation to keep farmers out of prison and in business;
- offering legal advice to set up herdshares and buying clubs properly;
- reviewing the maze of statutes and regulations to assist farm and artisan operations with compliance; and
- collaborating with legislators and grassroots activists to remove barriers to economic viability as well as fielding the myriad questions that arise.
FTCLDF's capacity to take on cases is governed by the funds available
. Each year, volunteers give their energies to tend exhibit booths, hold fundraisers, and conduct membership drives.The commitment of those in the growing attorney network is evident by the reduced fees charged and even the offers to work
pro bono. Many issues are resolved at the administrative level, saving thousands in potential court costs.
FTCLDF's costs tend to be far less than what farmers would have to pay on their own. So, when deciding whether to renew membership and/or make a donation, keep in mind that you would be supporting the network that supports you and your food choices. When FTCLDF is able to take on a new case, that's one more food producer who will live to feed another day.
Once again, we are privileged to close our Annual Appeal with the benefactor appreciation event,
Celebration! at Polyface Farm on September 7 in Swoope, Virginia. A donation of $250 or more qualifies you to RSVP to attend.
- Each $250 qualifies you to receive an adult ticket (donate $100 per child, aged 3-10; a lap child, aged 2 and under, may attend free).
- This year we've added Farm-to-Fork FundRAISERS; so, you'll want to check out the other events that are planned for September 7-8, Save Your Bacon Weekend.
- If you have any questions, please call us at 703-208-3276 or send an email to [email protected]
Unable to make it to Polyface this year?
Donate $100 or more and receive your choice among three gifts:
Sally Fallon Morell & Dr. Thomas Cowan's
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child CareGraham Meriwether's
American Meat DVD
David Gumpert's
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Food Rights
Can't decide which gift to choose?A few folks donate $500 and choose a total of five gifts; it's a great way to support the Fund
and have presents for family and friends.
