New Ag Laws Take Effect

Numerous agriculture related laws took effect around the country on July 1st.

California’s heavily litigated Proposition 12 became law this week. The new law specifies minimum space requirement for laying hens, veal cattle and breeding sows. The pork portion of the proposition was challenged in various courts and was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in May. Non-compliant pork that was processed before July 1 will be allowed to be sold in California until December 31st. 

Florida now requires employers to verify the immigration status of employees by using the E-Verify system. Florida agriculture uses thousands of seasonal workers each year.

Maryland and Minnesota have legalized the recreational use of cannabis in their states. Recreational cannabis is now legal in 23 states and the District of Columbia.

Minnesota authorized the creation of an indemnity fund to refund grain producers in the event of the bankruptcy of a grain elevator or grain trader. Protections shielding farmers from bankruptcies that buy or hold their grain vary across Midwestern states.

South Dakota now has a law that shields farmers from nuisance claims, including farms operating agritourism businesses. Only landowners within one mile of the farming operation would be allowed to file suit. Opponents believe the burden of evidence is now unfairly high to victims of nuisance.

Iowa increased the number of hours children aged 14-17 can work, and broadened the areas where children can be employed, including retail, food service, light cleaning and kitchen work. Having family members under the age of 14 working on a family farm is still legal.

For Market to Market, I’m Peter Tubbs