In a decisive legal victory, HerdDogg Inc., an agricultural technology firm, successfully countered an attempt by its founder to place the firm into receivership. The Delaware Chancery Court recommended dismissing with prejudice the bid, which was based on allegations of insolvency. The court determined these assertions were unsubstantiated and noted that the claims mirrored a…
A recent development by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has sparked significant interest among those involved in agriculture and renewable energy. A clean fuel tax credit notice is influencing policy decisions in the agricultural sector, with critical implications for biofuel producers and farmers. The IRS’s notice outlines eligibility criteria for tax credits, which are essential…
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently announced the cessation of its prolonged efforts to regulate air pollution from large-scale livestock operations, often referred to as factory farms. This decision concludes a 20-year endeavor to create effective monitoring methods for emissions from these facilities. The agency’s announcement was made just prior to the midterm elections,…
In a significant turn of events, the Federal Circuit has vacated a ruling by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) concerning a patent dispute over seed drill technology. This decision reopens the debate over whether the patent owned by Deere & Company for their seed drill innovation is indeed obvious, as contended by Precision…
The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has alerted the global community that atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases have reached unprecedented heights, posing a long-term threat to societies and economies. This escalation in greenhouse gases is a significant contributor to global warming, which increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather…
Mayer Brown has announced the addition of Jose Nazario as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, focusing on the area of commodities derivatives. This strategic hiring decision aims to bolster the firm’s expertise in regulatory and transactional matters related to derivatives and commodities markets. Nazario joins Mayer Brown from Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP,…
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP has strengthened its government relations team by hiring the former principal deputy general counsel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This strategic addition to the firm underlines its commitment to enhancing expertise in navigating the complex regulatory landscape impacting clients across various sectors. The newly appointed attorney will assume…
In a recent address to the Committee on World Food Security, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk emphasized a troubling paradox: even as global food supply reaches unprecedented levels, a significant portion of the global population remains deprived of consistent access to adequate nourishment. This contradiction, Türk argued, is largely rooted in systemic…
On October 15, the International Day of Rural Women draws attention to the vital role rural women play in food production and ecological preservation. Initiated by the United Nations, this day underscores gender equality’s critical connection to combating poverty, hunger, and the climate crisis. This year’s theme, “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature,” highlights…
In an era increasingly defined by climate uncertainty, the concept of solar geoengineering has emerged as a contentious topic. This technology, aimed at reflecting sunlight away from Earth to cool the planet, has significant implications. Recent climate simulations, such as the one held at Queen Mary University of London, underscore the complexities and potential geopolitical…
The Federal Circuit’s recent affirmation of a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision marks a significant setback for a Corteva Agriscience unit—a consequence of legal wrangling over the patented genetics of herbicide-resistant plants. This ruling comes shortly after Corteva’s strategic acquisition of rights from Inari Agriculture, spotlighting the ongoing complexities faced by agricultural biotechnology…
In a notable development in agricultural biotechnology litigation, Corteva Agriscience and Inari Agriculture Inc. have concluded a legal dispute over seed patents just three days into a trial at the Delaware federal court. The settlement resolves claims that Inari infringed on three of Corteva’s patents and misappropriated seed samples. Legal agreements were finalized swiftly after…
In a move that has sent ripples through the conservation community, the Trump administration has taken steps to reinterpret the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in a manner reminiscent of Justice Antonin Scalia’s 1995 dissent. According to a report by The New York Times, an internal memo was distributed to staff at the US Fish and…
The global food supply faces significant challenges due to laws that criminalize peasant seed systems. In their recent report to the Human Rights Council, UN experts highlighted that up to 90% of seeds in numerous countries stem from traditional practices. These systems are fundamental, allowing farmers to produce, share, and access seeds via local markets,…
In a significant appointment, Washington State’s Governor has named Bree R. Black Horse of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP to the Yakima County Superior Court. This decision marks the first new judicial position added to the court in nearly 30 years. Black Horse, a seasoned litigator with a rich background in tribal and environmental law,…
In a recent legal development, a Delaware federal court has allowed most of Corteva Agriscience’s claims to proceed in a dispute centered around intellectual property (IP) related to seed technology. The court decision ensures that the majority of Corteva’s arguments will be heard in an upcoming trial scheduled for later this month. The case reflects…
The United Nations recently reported that its humanitarian operations, in coordination with various partners, have successfully delivered essential supplies to over 600,000 people in Gaza throughout August. Despite this substantial relief effort, deepening concerns about the escalating hunger crisis persist, particularly as organizations like the World Food Programme (WFP) highlight the ongoing challenges in providing…
The United Nations has sounded an alarm over significant reductions in global humanitarian aid, an issue that has severe implications for children in Somalia. According to recent updates from the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the cuts have resulted in the closure of over 200 health and nutrition facilities across Somalia, leaving children without essential healthcare,…
Corteva has agreed to a $3.1 million settlement to resolve allegations brought by the Arkansas Attorney General, accusing the pesticide giant of antitrust violations. The company was allegedly using anticompetitive rebate schemes to establish exclusive agreements that stifled competition from generic pesticide manufacturers. The legal action against Corteva highlighted the broader industry concerns over practices…
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Director John Squires has petitioned the Federal Circuit to review a Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) decision that upheld Corteva Agriscience LLC’s patent on insect-resistant corn. Squires contends that the PTAB’s ruling contains errors warranting appellate intervention. The PTAB’s decision, issued in November 2025, affirmed the validity of…
In the complex landscape of intellectual property disputes in agriculture, the legal battle between Corteva Agriscience LLC and plant breeding startup Inari Agriculture Inc. took another turn as a federal judge recently dismissed two additional counterclaims put forth by Inari. This ongoing litigation involves accusations from Corteva that Inari has infringed on its seed technology…
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the rise in global food prices, attributing this trend to the impacts of climate change and surging energy costs. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported a one percent increase in its Food Price Index in July 2026, bringing it to an average of 131.1…
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has bolstered its litigation team with the appointment of an experienced legal professional from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The firm announced that the former assistant general counsel of the USDA’s natural resources and environment division has joined its Washington, D.C., office as counsel. This move is expected…
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has made a notable addition to its ranks by hiring Alena M. Bowers, a former Assistant General Counsel from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Bowers joins the firm’s food regulatory and litigation practice group, bringing a wealth of experience in legal matters related to food safety, litigation, and…
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has sharply deteriorated since the Taliban’s return to power, as highlighted by a recent report from Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report underscores the magnitude of the crisis, urging global governments to take substantial steps beyond rhetoric to address the dire human rights situation. It emphasizes that international efforts must…