Pressing issues face the American West regarding the future of agriculture and the management of land, water and other natural resources. The National Agricultural Law Center is convening the 2nd Annual Western Agricultural and Environmental Law Conference on June 13-14 on the University of Nevada, Reno campus, with a speaker lineup of experts geared to provide analysis and insights into some of these challenges and the laws and policy affecting them.

“The environmental and agricultural issues facing the American West are as unique as its geology, climate and culture,” said Harrison Pittman, the director of the National Agricultural Law Center, which is a unit of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Our lineup for this second conference will provide a deep dive into the challenges that have no peer in other parts of the country.”

Some of the topics on this year’s program include:

• Instream water rights and the future of irrigated agriculture
• The future of pesticides in Western states, including the latest legal developments and trends
• The 2024 Farm Bill, public lands and related federal issues
• Insights into tribal agricultural development
• State agriculture departments, and the regulation of agriculture and the environment
• Water quality in the West and updates on the Clean Water Act

The complete agenda is available online. In addition to speakers from the National Agricultural Law Center, other speakers include an impressive mix of practicing attorneys, staff from the U.S. Senate; staff from state departments of agriculture and attorney generals’ offices, and others. The keynote speaker is the Honorable Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden, of the U.S. Court of International Trade and former USDA general counsel, presenting “From Regulation to Adjudication: Perspectives on Agriculture & Trade.”

“The Honorable Judge Vaden is a tremendous presenter,” Pittman said. “His experience has given him a wealth of knowledge and perspective on agricultural issues. Conference attendees always enjoy hearing his legal perspective and insight.”

Brian Sandoval, University of Nevada, Reno president, said the conference focuses on many issues that faculty at the University are researching and working with Nevada producers and land managers to navigate, particularly in the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources.

"The topics being addressed at this conference are ones posing challenges to agriculture producers all over the West, issues our faculty are deeply focused on,” he said. “We’re pleased to have this unique blend of experts on campus to share their knowledge and insight into agriculture and environmental issues, and the legal aspects surrounding them.”

The conference will be submitted for approval for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) units in Oregon, California, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Continuing Education unit approval will also be sought from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

Conference registration fees range from $300 to $500, with a discounted registration fee of $75 available for all students. Register online to attend in person or virtually.

For information about the National Agricultural Law Center, visit our website. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. Reach out to this email if you require reasonable accommodation to participate or materials in another format as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay, a service at no cost that enables people who are deaf, hard of hearing or deafblind, or those with a speech disability, to place and receive phone calls.