WISCONSIN FARMERS UNION

For immediate release: May 19, 2010

For More Information: 715-723-5561, or call Darin Von Ruden directly, 608-852-4272

‘Unified opposition’ didn’t lead to milk-bill’s veto

By Darin Von Ruden

Gov. Doyle said his decision to veto the raw milk bill was the result of unified opposition, but clearly that wasn’t the case. If the opposition were as great or as united as he contends it never would have reached his desk for signing in the first place.

Not only did the bill overwhelmingly pass the State Legislature, but members of Wisconsin Farmers Union also backed the bill.

In a statement the governor said, “An outbreak of disease from the consumption of raw milk could harm our reputation for providing healthy dairy products and damage the entire industry.”

Given the bill only allowed for individual, on-farm sales, the idea of a widespread “outbreak” isn’t even reasonable.

Here, finally, was one bill written to benefit small family farms — and those loudest in their objections were the corporate outfits for which virtually every other agriculture bill is written. In his decision the governor fell prey to industry fear-mongering launched to  maintain their tight control over our nation’s food system.

The bill simply sought to establish controls over sales already happening on farms across our state. It simply would have codified safety measures to ensure what the governor said he wants: safe milk.

The longstanding power of Big Ag over family farms has gotten the attention of the Obama administration, which is holding hearings across the nation to investigate the effects of corporate consolidation of our food system. They are right to do so, as defeat of this bill proves.

Family farmers and thousands of consumers were on record supporting this bill. Their voices just weren’t heard when Big Ag decided to speak.

Darin Von Ruden, a Westby dairy farmer, is Wisconsin Farmers Union’s president. Wisconsin Farmers Union, a member-driven organization, is committed to enhancing the quality of life for family farmers, rural communities and all citizens through educational opportunities, cooperative endeavors and civic engagement.

For the US Department of Justice Agriculture Consolidation Workshop Information - Click Here