Posted: 03.16.2011

With all the uncertainty still swirling in Madison - there's one topic that's definitely going to be debated again. Legalizing raw milk sales.

There are bills resurfacing in both the senate and assembly that propose legalizing raw milk and milk product sales in Wisconsin - with unique approaches to the public safety issue.

Under the proposed assembly language -  a dairy farmer would be allowed to sell raw milk and milk products if they held a license and a grade A permit.  The bill would require the dairies to register with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.  That paperwork would then allow the dairy farmer to sell products directly to a consumer on the farm - if the dairy farmer or consumer provides a sanitary container, the container is filled in a sanitary manner, and the dairy farmer posts a sign stating "Raw milk products sold here.  Raw milk products are not pasteurized,"

Also under the bill are provisions to allow unlicensed dairies to sell raw product.  The bill would dismiss the WI Department of Agriculture's rules governing the operation of dairy farms and the testing and quality of milk.  The rules would not apply to a registered dairy farmer without a license or a grade A permit if the farmer milks fewer than 20 cows.

The current proposals are being advanced by Republican Sen. Glenn Grothman and Rep. Don Pridemore. They're currently requesting additional co-sponsors.

The Legislature last year passed a law that would have allowed more raw milk sales, but Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed it over safety and health concerns.

Nineteen states allow direct sales of raw milk from dairy farmers to individuals, while nine additional states go a step further by permitting retail sales



 

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