Food, Farming, and Sustainability: Readings in Agricultural Law

Agricultural law is the study of the unique network of laws that apply to the production, marketing, and sale of agricultural products, i.e., the food we eat, the natural fibers we wear, and increasingly, the bio-fuels that run our vehicles. It is the law as applied to one of the largest and most regulated industries in our economy. In recent years, agricultural law has expanded beyond its traditional scope to include issues of food safety and sustainability. Popular interest in agriculture has increased as consumers seek to know more about their food and where it comes from. This book provides an issues-based study of these complex topics. It is divided into units designed to introduce some of the critical legal issues facing the industry and consumers today including: agricultural commercial law, environmental law, federal farm policy, labor law, food labeling, farm animal welfare, and other topics. Each is presented in the context of a current issue. The book provides a mix of law, policy, and the analysis of both. From its initial discussion of ''agricultural exceptionalism'' to its concluding remarks on the future of our food system, the book is certain to spark thoughtful dialogue.