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New legislators, new raw milk legislation

The new year means a number of new lawmakers in statehouses around the country and with that; new proposals to legalize the sale of raw milk. In Minnesota where raw milk was blamed for a number of illnesses last year bills have been proposed which would expand the sale. Current Minnesota law allows sales only at the farm which produces it, the new bills would legalize sale of raw milk at farmers markets, farm stands, buyers clubs, consumer share groups, community fairs and even by someone representing the farm.

Legislation has been introduced in Texas which in addition to current law allowing the sale of raw milk on the farm, would legalize the sale at the consumer’s home, farmers markets, farm stands and similar locations where producers customarily sell to consumers.

New Jersey’s Assembly Ag Committee is taking comments on a bill which would allow the sale directly to consumers.

Massachusetts is considering licenses which would allow producers to deliver raw milk to consumers through contractual agreements or a community supported agriculture system. On-farm sales are currently legal in the state.

Cheese Market News reports legislation has been introduced in Oregon which would expand current raw milk access and license facilities for processing and distributing raw milk. Current raw milk sales are limited to farms with three or fewer cows.

In Washington state where on farm and retail sales of raw milk by certified dairies is legal, a proposal would exempt a farm with no more than two dairy cows from standard milk regulations.

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