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It is not often that over
six hundred people show up for a public hearing on a legislative topic, no
matter how widely publicized the issue might be. This past Wednesday, the
Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education, joined the Assembly
Committee on Rural Economic Development in conducting a public hearing to
consider my bill aimed at repealing a state law banning "on the farm site
sales" of unpasteurized milk. The turnout in favor of legal "on the farm
site sales" of raw milk was greater than anyone could have imagined. In fact
several staffers mentioned to me that they estimated over ninety percent of
the crowd at the hearing supported the right of the average citizen to make
their own personal consumption choices rather than having the government
decide for them. Now that is grass roots support.
On the other hand those testifying in opposition seemed to be affiliated
with organizations that have an interest in continuing with the current
policy. In other words, it was their job to be at the hearing and take a
public stance in opposition. While I do understand the reasoning behind this
institutional opposition, it is clear that the grass roots citizens sent a
message that an overreaching government entity making their consumption
choices for them is just simply unacceptable. I still have a difficult time
squaring the critical eye that state regulators have towards Raw Milk when
undercooked eggs, sushi, raw fish, steak tarter, cigarettes and alcohol are
all sold legally. The public health community fails to explain how these
aforementioned products are safer than reasonably regulated legal "on the
farm site sales" of Raw Milk.
It has always been my position that if farmers are able to produce a product
that the free market demands, such as Raw Milk, why not allow them to sell
this product to informed consumers on their farms with the proper sanitary
handling and storage regulations? After all, those who are concerned with
the safety of Raw Milk could choose to not consume this product. After the
hearing, it is clear that there is strong public support for action. A new
Raw Milk policy must create conditions that avoid a Raw Milk "black market,"
address the concerns of our state's proud dairy industry, and also looks out
for the public health of our citizens.
I am pleased to be working with State Senator Kathleen Vinehout,
Representative Phil Garthwaite and other legislators to craft a policy that
finds the middle ground on this issue. Finding the middle ground is the art
of compromise. If we can do that we will be serving the best interest of our
state, our farmers, our consumers and Wisconsin's farm economy. It is not as
if by doing nothing that Raw Milk sales will not continue. To the contrary,
an unregulated "Raw Milk Black Market" will persist. The time for solutions
is now.
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