Home > Services > Agriculture & Food

AGRICULTURE & FOOD

As companies in today’s agriculture and biotechnology industries develop products and methods to improve the world’s food supply, they face constant change brought on by advances in research and development and new regulatory standards. Developments in bioenergy production and use, biosecurity legislation, new international trade rules, pesticide legislation, and advances in genomics, plant growth factors and transgenic plants, for example, have a tremendous impact on the these industries. Businesses involved in agriculture must also deal with a complex set of laws and regulations governing nearly every aspect of the life cycle of their products.

We have assembled a group of attorneys and scientific advisers, many with advanced degrees, who understand the science driving the industry, communicate new regulations and industry trends to clients, and know the dynamics of the business. They counsel companies on the regulation and litigation of a wide spectrum of agriculture-related issues, including product distribution, especially via railway and barge; seed trait stewardship; GMO-related issues; seed law, including matters under the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA); environmental law, including the Federal Insecticide Fungicide & Rodenticide Act (FIFRA); patent law; commercial law; and product liability law.

We have decades of combined experience handling agricultural matters in the context of intellectual property, including PVPA and patent issues, environmental matters including FIFRA, commercial finance, product distribution and transportation, and product liability. Our litigators are highly experienced in handling agricultural and biotechnology-related disputes.

We can help protect our clients—and the significant amount of time and resources they invest in their efforts—as they conduct research, follow regulatory processes, and bring their products to the marketplace. Our agriculture clients are involved in every facet of the industry, from genomics to chemical and fertilizer development, to food production and transportation.

Securing global trademark protections for PowerBar

We represented an agribusiness owner of large hog farms in north Missouri in a multi-plaintiff lawsuit by individuals claiming nuisance and personal injury from insects and odors associated with the farms. The firm won a favorable result at trial in the City of St. Louis. Approximately half the plaintiffs received no award, while the remaining plaintiffs were awarded an amount well below the plaintiffs' demand.

Thompson Coburn represented a company in negotiating the terms of its minority investment in and strategic relationship with Renewable Energy Group, Inc. (REG), the biodiesel industry leader and a full-service biodiesel company. Our client's investment was part of a $100 million private equity financing involving multiple strategic partners and investors. The firm also negotiated the terms under which our client would supply REG with raw materials, risk management and logistics expertise.

Our attorneys recently represented a manufacturing company at trial in a patent and unfair competition case in the Central District of Illinois. We took over representation of the company from another firm and litigated the matter through trial.

We have handled several acquisitions for a global baking ingredients business, as well as substantial contract and general corporate work. We also have handled issues for the business with respect to importing raw materials from Cuba.

We represented a supplier of processed food products and ingredients in an acquisition of coconut operations in the Philippines. We also have done general corporate work for the client, including all of their distribution and warehouse agreements and tax issues.

We successfully defended a baking industry client against potential class claims brought by independent owner/operators asserting various claims for breach of contract, fraud, ERISA and payroll taxes.

We handled $30 million in sales of restaurants to franchisees for a large national operator of quick-service and fast-casual dining restaurant brands. We also handled their operational real estate issues, including disputes and condemnations and purchases and sales of restaurants and other properties.

We have represented a large manufacturer and distributor of soda products nationally in its ERISA litigation since 2000. We have defended the company in litigation pending in California, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

We represent an international operator of bakery-cafés in all of their employee benefits-related matters. In the past, we have acted as the company’s dedicated outside corporate counsel in reviewing and negotiating many of their vendor contracts.

 

Blog Posts

Do You Have a Constitutional Right to Food? Understanding the Food Sovereignty Movement

Kind Bar MDL plaintiffs appeal federal district court smack down

Chapter 12 family farmer cases in Missouri: An updated look inside the numbers

Regulatory risks of marketing CBD-infused food, beverages, and dietary supplements

Hawaiian style or made in Hawaii: Class action lawsuit highlights product origin labeling laws

We’ve got ‘beef’: Plant-based meat maker appeals decision in favor of Oklahoma’s new labeling law

Seventh Circuit rejects 'ingredient list' and 'common sense' defenses in cheese labeling lawsuit

No preemption for you: “No preservatives” soup label lawsuit not preempted

Made in the USA: False US-origin labeling class actions dismissed

‘Butter’ believe it: Federal court makes decision in vegan dairy label fight

Publications

Regulations for businesses owning farmland: A primer on AFIDA and state rules

EEOC issues new guidance on COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace

Missouri legislature passes new protections for businesses from COVID-19 suits

The sky’s the limit as the EPA releases a flurry of 2019 air permitting guidance and proposals

What the President’s executive order means for transactions involving the Government of Venezuela

Could your company’s freebie for furloughed workers be an ethics problem for them?

NAFTA, tariffs and trade wars: Are you ready to do battle in Missouri?

5 points to remember before relying on the EPA’s new NSR guidance on projected future emissions

Amendments to Chapter 12 make it easier for a family farmer to reorganize

What to do when the government comes calling: A checklist for handling facility inspections

USPTO launches new proof of use audit program

Environmental deregulation under President Trump: Business as usual?

5 tips for environmental due diligence in business transactions

Missouri to join Right to Work ranks: Is the fight over or just warming up?

Court rejects contractor’s mechanic’s lien because of ‘intent’

Are HR employees ‘investment advisors’ under the DOL’s fiduciary rule?

California expands pay equity, limits pay stub requirements

Nevada case a reminder to foreign entities: Protect your due process rights when served

What U.S. companies need to know about their IP rights post-Brexit

U.K. now requires supply chain transparency on human trafficking risks

Doing business in California or the UK? You may be required to be a watchdog for human trafficking

New Illinois law prohibits non-competition agreements with low-wage employees

U.S. Department of Labor issues final rule updating overtime regulations

New OSHA reporting and anti-retaliation rules

Shippers, are you ready for SOLAS’ verified container weight mandate?

Government contractors must address domestic trafficking

CFTC rule change brings record-keeping relief for commodity dealers and end-users

And on that farm he had a drone: UAS deployment in precision agriculture

FAA grants exemption for large crop-spraying unmanned aircraft

Supreme Court overturns EPA’s 'Tailoring Rule,' upholds GHG BACT for 'anyway' sources

TCLE

Better Together? Competition, Price Gouging and Other Antitrust Issues Raised by the COVID-19 Pandemic

News

D.C. office raises funds for World Central Kitchen to ho​nor Kent Woodman’s volunteer trip to the Ukraine border

World Trademark Review names Tom Polcyn to WTR 1000 list

Thompson Coburn releases 2021 Ag Innovation Survey on the impact of COVID, future of the ag industry

Jennifer Post talks to Business Insider about startup considerations before going public

Thompson Coburn releases first Ag Innovation Survey on the impact of COVID, future of the ag industry

Rabo AgriFinance and Thompson Coburn recognized as 2019 ACC Value Champions

Thompson Coburn presents ‘Secrets of the Firewalkers’ at the 2019 CLOC Institute

Thompson Coburn supports agricultural growth through the Center for Soybean Innovation

Rabo AgriFinance, Thompson Coburn recognized in Top Legal Innovation Awards

Gain Executive Insights on trade developments with Thompson Coburn, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Missouri Court of Appeals rules for Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

Agribusiness professionals enjoy hands-on farm simulation at Thompson Coburn

Thompson Coburn leads Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council to $600,000 jury verdict

Updated trade compliance materials now available

Closing the food gap in D.C. and L.A.

Thompson Coburn earns corporate counsel recommendations five years running in national report

Sixth Circuit rules cows can be leased

Fred Strasheim featured in Law360 ‘Dealmakers’ series

Chemical Safety Board investigator shares insights from two high-profile environmental incidents

27 Thompson Coburn attorneys recognized in 2014 Chambers USA

Krissa Lubben, Mark Sableman named 2014 Lexology Client Choice Award winners

Steve Ritchey publishes article on patent basics for American Ceramic Society

Jeff Masson named ‘Influential Appellate Advocate’ for Monsanto Supreme Court win

Ryan Kemper, Thompson Coburn environmental practice featured in St. Louis Lawyer

Three partners named 2013 Up & Coming attorneys

Cliff Godiner, Hope Abramov to dissect a modern labor dispute at SHRM annual conference

Monsanto wins unanimous ruling from U.S. Supreme Court

Eric E. Boyd joins Thompson Coburn's Environmental Group

19 Thompson Coburn partners named 2013 St. Louis Lawyers of the Year

Jeff Masson featured in AgProfessional magazine

Partner
St. Louis

A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor and employment practice is bolstered by her experiences as an in-house attorney for more than ...

A partner in the Labor and Employment practice area, Hope's extensive labor...

Hope Abramov
Partner
New York

John draws on his more than 30 years of litigation experience to represent a wide variety of clients in federal and state trial and appellate courts.

John draws on his more than 30 years of litigation experience to represent ...

John Amato
Partner
St. Louis

Matt represents major agricultural companies in business-critical disputes.

Matt represents major agricultural companies in business-critical disputes....

Matt Bober
Partner
St. Louis

Matt is looked to for his thorough understanding of his clients' business goals.

Matt is looked to for his thorough understanding of his clients' business g...

Matt Braunel
Partner
St. Louis

Dan Cox is a litigator handling sophisticated business, tort, product liability, intellectual property, and class action defense cases.

Dan Cox is a litigator handling sophisticated business, tort, product liabi...

Dan Cox
Partner
St. Louis

John represents domestic and international clients in complex litigation and multi-district litigation in some of the most challenging state and federal venues in the cou...

John represents domestic and international clients in complex litigation an...

John Galvin
Partner
St. Louis

Cliff is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney who advises executives and HR leaders on all aspects of employment litigation and labor disputes.

Cliff is a nationally recognized labor and employment attorney who advises ...

Cliff Godiner
Partner
St. Louis

Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group.

Ed is a veteran litigator and head of the Firm's Antitrust Practice Group.

Ed Harvey
Partner
St. Louis

Amanda is a litigator and highly experienced trial team leader for Fortune 500 companies facing class actions and complex business disputes.

Amanda is a litigator and highly experienced trial team leader for Fortune ...

Amanda Hettinger
Partner
St. Louis

Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent applications in a variety of mechanical and electrical arts.

Matt’s practice is focused on the preparation and prosecution of patent app...

Matt Himich
Partner
St. Louis

Chris chairs the 200-attorney Litigation Department at Thompson Coburn and is co-chair of Business Litigation, the largest practice group in the Firm.

Chris chairs the 200-attorney Litigation Department at Thompson Coburn and ...

Chris Hohn
Partner
St. Louis

Wil has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and experience as research scientist working for a major biotechnology company.

Wil has a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and experience as research ...

Wil Holtz, Ph.D.
Partner
St. Louis

David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property disputes including patent prosecution, IP litigation, brand protection, counterfeiting, Post-Gra...

David strategically advises clients in a variety of intellectual property d...

David Jinkins
Partner
Chicago

David is Co-Chair of the Firm's Corporate and Securities Practice Group.

David is Co-Chair of the Firm's Corporate and Securities Practice Group.

David Kaufman
Partner
St. Louis

Ryan has a broad and diverse practice serving clients navigating sophisticated matters related to air, water, land, energy, agriculture, emergency response and climate is...

Ryan has a broad and diverse practice serving clients navigating sophistica...

Ryan Russell Kemper
Partner
St. Louis

Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of employers in employment litigation and client counseling.

Krissa practices human resources law, focusing on the representation of emp...

Krissa Lubben
Partner
New York

Steve represents financial institutions, businesses and constituencies in major commercial disputes, with a particular focus in lender liability cases, fraud-based invest...

Steve represents financial institutions, businesses and constituencies in m...

Steven Mandelsberg
Counsel
St. Louis

As a member of the firm's mass tort litigation practice group, Allison has extensive experience in complex litigation, including tort claims, product liability, negligenc...

As a member of the firm's mass tort litigation practice group, Allison has ...

Allison Manger
Partner
St. Louis

Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist.

Jeff is a litigator, former crop consultant, and agronomic crop specialist....

Jeff Masson
Partner
St. Louis

Gayle is a thoughtful and detail-oriented attorney valued by clients for her practical legal counsel.

Gayle is a thoughtful and detail-oriented attorney valued by clients for he...

Gayle Mercier
Partner
St. Louis

Manoo serves as a strategist for high-stakes litigation, tapping his well-honed research and writing skills to craft motions and briefs that help clients navigate thorny ...

Manoo serves as a strategist for high-stakes litigation, tapping his well-h...

Manoo Mofidi
Senior Counsel
St. Louis

Jack tries complex cases involving intellectual property, product liability and commercial issues before various state and federal courts.

Jack tries complex cases involving intellectual property, product liability...

Jack Musgrave
Partner
New York

Shoko helps companies protect their valuable brands in markets around the world through strategic trademark counseling and enforcement.

Shoko helps companies protect their valuable brands in markets around the w...

Shoko Naruo
Partner
New York

Zachary delivers practical, tactical, and experienced advice to corporate, lending, and fiduciary clients with respect to all phases of litigation, alternate dispute reso...

Zachary delivers practical, tactical, and experienced advice to corporate, ...

Zachary Newman
Partner
St. Louis

Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the world's largest consumer products companies and service providers, with a focus on IP portfolio man...

Tom provides strategic intellectual property counseling to some of the worl...

Tom Polcyn
Partner
St. Louis

Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor to private and public sector employers across a wide spectrum of industries.

Chuck is a creative and highly efficient employment litigator and advisor t...

Chuck Poplstein
Partner
St. Louis

Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and provides comprehensive counsel on licensing and technology transfer.

Steve advises clients on domestic and international patent applications and...

Steve Ritchey
Partner
St. Louis

Sharon develops and executes highly effective MDL  and class action defense strategies for major companies across a variety of sectors, including agriculture, transp...

Sharon develops and executes highly effective MDL  and class action de...

Sharon Rosenberg
Partner
St. Louis

Carl is a trial lawyer who defends complex, high-profile cases.

Carl is a trial lawyer who defends complex, high-profile cases.

Carl Rowley
Partner
Washington, D.C.

Ken has spent his entire legal career in the public and private sectors in Washington, DC and has a thorough understanding and appreciation of how lobbying can advance cl...

Ken has spent his entire legal career in the public and private sectors in ...

Ken Salomon
Partner
St. Louis

Peter is an environmental attorney who helps companies respond to major environmental incidents, navigate regulatory actions and successfully resolve civil and criminal l...

Peter is an environmental attorney who helps companies respond to major env...

Peter Stark Strassner
Partner
Southern Illinois

Erick is a litigation partner in the Firm's Southern Illinois office.

Erick is a litigation partner in the Firm's Southern Illinois office.

Erick VanDorn
Partner
St. Louis

David is a 30-year veteran of the financial restructuring world who provides practical, straight-forward advice to all types of institutions that interact with a distress...

David is a 30-year veteran of the financial restructuring world who provide...

David Warfield
Partner
Dallas

Nicole is a highly experienced trial lawyer representing clients in matters involving antitrust, advertising, business divorces and disputes, fraud investigations and lit...

Nicole is a highly experienced trial lawyer representing clients in matters...

Nicole Williams