WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION
For immediate release: April 23, 2010
For More Information Contact: Scott Schultz 715-723-5561 (office) or 715-533-5906 (cell)
sschultz@wisconsinfarmersunion.com

Raw-milk legislation a victory for family farmers
Chippewa Falls, Wis. (April 23, 2010) -- Legislation allowing regulated on-farm sales of unpasteurized milk to consumers is a victory for family farmers who want to legally establish such a market, according to Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden.
 
The state Assembly last night voted 65-35 to approve the raw-milk sales legislation. The Senate had passed earlier legislation to allow the regulated sales.
 
 “We applaud Assembly members from both sides of the aisle for coming together and passing this common-sense legislation,” said Wisconsin Farmers Union President Darin Von Ruden. “Hundreds of consumers and family farmers came out in support of raw milk, and the legislature listened.”  
 
The bill includes safety provisions, such as requiring sellers to be grade-A certified and to test the milk for pathogens. The bill also limits raw milk sales and advertising to the farms where the animals live.
 
“Consumers are interested in buying milk directly from farms, and this legislation will open up new business opportunities for Wisconsin Farmers,” Von Ruden said.
 
The legislation will automatically sunset in 2011, unless the Legislature takes additional action. Von Ruden said he’s confident that that will occur after skeptics see the economic benefits that raw milk sales give to family farmers.
 
It would become law after being signed by Gov. Jim Doyle. Von Ruden urged Gov. Doyle to sign the bill without delay.
 
“I can’t think of any other piece of legislation this session that has generated such a groundswell of support,” Von Ruden said. “People will always have the option of buying pasteurized milk from the store if they choose, but we also should give farmers the freedom to legally sell the unpasteurized products consumers are demanding.”
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