MDAR Hearing to shut down raw dairy clubs May 10, 2010

The State of Massachusetts proposes to amend current raw milk regulations to make the non-commercial, second party purchase of such milk products illegal. In other words, those wishing to purchase raw dairy products would have to drive to the farm themselves. The closest farm selling milk from cows fed exclusively with organic grass is a two-hour drive from Boston, Mass.

Raw dairy proponents are urged to attend. Written comments will also be accepted up until May 10, and may be sent to Scott J. Soares, Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), 251 Causeway Street, Boston, MA 02114.

The raw milk in question meets the same standards and testing requirements that pasteurized, commercially available store milk is held to.
- MDAR has been aware of such clubs operating for years. There has not been a public health issue.
- Such co-operative efforts helps conserve resources - gas, time spent driving.
- Such clubs support local farmers directly.

If allowed to pass, the proposition
- will directly harm our local dairy farms
- could result in consumers seeking alternative, non-licensed sources of raw milk, a possible public health issue.
- may further reduce spending in the local economy, as such clubs often buy produce from other local, neighboring farms in addition to the milk products

The full text of the proposed language to be inserted is:

"No person shall sell, distribute, provide or offer for consumption to the public any raw milk elsewhere than on a dairy farm where that raw milk was produced provided that to such farm a Certificate of Raw Milk for Retail Sale has been issued by the Commissioner. For the purposes of these Regulations the term 'offer for consumption' shall include any sampling of milk by the public or offering of samples to the public."

For more information, or to find out how you can get involved in the Massachusetts Raw Milk Network, a program of NOFA/Mass, please contact Winton Pitcoff at winton@nofamass.org.

Official Website: http://www.nofamass.org