LeadAR Learns Ag Law

by Priscella Thomas Scott, 4-H Events Coordinator, UA System Division of Agriculture - February 28, 2024

As an employee of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, I always heard "We have an AG Law Center". I knew the center was located on the UA-Fayetteville campus, however I didn't know the scope of the National Agricultural Law Center (NALC) and how it provides research and information on laws and regulations affecting agriculture.

On Friday, February 23, LeadAR Class 20 had the opportunity to learn more about the NALC and current issues in ag law.  Our energetic and engaging presenter, Brigit Rollins is not only a staff attorney whose primary focus is environmental law with the NALC, but she is a LeadAR Class 19 alum.  She navigated us through an insightful journey of the center and how it is important to public and private sector stakeholders.

So, what is the National Agricultural Law Center? 

What is the mission?  What does the NALC do? Who provides the resources and information to stakeholders? These questions were answered and explained during our virtual seminar.

Here is what we learned.

• The NALC is the nation’s leading source for agricultural and food law research and information. It was created in 1987.
• The NALC is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and is also in close partnership with the USDA Agricultural Research, National Agricultural Library.
• Its mission is “The nation’s leading source of agricultural and food law research and information.” The mission is implemented through non-partisan means. 
• The NALC functions are 1) create and maintain resources on ag law that are understandable by and available to the public, 2) help stakeholders understand what the law is and how it impacts themb3) provide information through articles, webinar series, online reading rooms, conference opportunities, in person presentations, and 4) direct communication with stakeholders.
• With a staff of seven attorneys, each attorney has their area of expertise and focus.  They work with stakeholders and partners to fulfill the Center’s mission. 

In addition, the center prides itself on being nationally focused on ag law issues.  According to Rollins “they track legal issues at both the state and federal level and have a great network of colleagues across the country." Another important note we learned from our session, the Center does not advocate for any policies, the goal is to help people understand what the law says. 

Another aspect of our seminar focused on the current issues in Ag Law. The discussion centered around the following.

• Pesticide Decisions, Registrations and Use
• Prop: Current Effect, Future Model?
• The Future of Federal Regulations
• Corporate Transparency Act
• Honorable Mentions: Clean Water Act definition of waters of the Unites States & Foreign Ownership of Agricultural land.

As our speaker discussed these current issues, it resonated and sparked great discussions between the group. We have several class members who have a vested interest in these topics. Furthermore, the policies, laws and outcomes of any regulations demonstrate how we are interconnected in our world.   

We ended our virtual session with class project updates. As each person gave their update, I was reminded at the end of our leadership journey, a difference will be made in twenty communities around the state. Giving back and collaborating with others is truly transformational.

LeadAR is a program designed to help Arkansans broaden their understanding of issues and opportunities facing our state and strengthen their ability to make a difference. For more information about LeadAR, visit the website or contact Julie Robinson, jrobinson@uada.edu, or Lisa Davis, ldavis@uada.edu.