David Ward - Raw Milk Controversy in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Raw Milk ControversyDavid WardDirector of Government Relations & DairyCooperative Network

• Cooperative Trade Association in Minnesota and Wisconsin

• 600 Member Cooperatives owned by more than 6.3 million Minnesota and Wisconsin residents

• Cooperative Network provides business development, communications, education, government affairs, safety and environmental services to our member cooperative

• Minnesota is home to the largest number of cooperatives with Wisconsin being second

Wisconsin Americas Dairy Land• Agriculture $59.2 billion

industry in Wisconsin• Wisconsin agriculture

provides almost 420,000 jobs, which is 12 percent of the state’s workforce

• Dairy is $26.5 billion– 45% of Wisconsin’s

agriculture

Wisconsin Americas Dairy Land

Food Safety

Because of the economic contribution of the Dairy Industry a very important role for Wisconsin State Government is assuring that the milk we drink is safe.

Raw Milk FAQ’s1. Can a dairy farmer legally sell raw milk? No. The sale or

distribution of raw or unpasteurized milk is illegal.

1. Can a dairy farmer legally sell dairy products made from raw milk? No. You must have a dairy plant license to make dairy products that are sold to consumers.

1. Can dairy farmers consume raw milk from their own farms? Yes. A licensed milk producer may consume raw milk from his or her own farm, and may serve that raw milk to family members and

nonpaying household guests.

Wisconsin State Statue 97.24 (2) (b)

• (a) No person may sell or distribute any• milk unless that milk is produced, processed and distributed in• compliance with standards established by the department by rule• under this chapter.• (b) No person may sell or distribute any milk or fluid milk• products which are not grade A milk or grade A milk products to• consumers, or to any restaurant, institution or retailer for consumption• or resale to consumers. Grade A milk and grade A milk• products shall be effectively pasteurized, and shall be produced,• processed and distributed in compliance with standards established• by the department by rule under this chapter.• (c) No person may sell or distribute milk or fluid milk products• which are labeled or otherwise represented as grade A milk or• grade A milk products unless the milk and fluid milk products• comply with this chapter and with standards established by the• department by rule under this chapter.• Department allowed incidental sales of raw milk

Incidental Sales?

Producers Started to push the boundaries

• Sales over internet• Farm Stores

Assembly Bill 628

1. Allows Dairy Farmer with a Grade A Permit to Sell Unpasteurized Milk, Buttermilk, Butter, and Cream Directly to Consumers

2. Dairy Farmer Must Obtain a Raw Milk Permit from the Department of Agriculture

Assembly Bill 628

3. The Container is Prepared and Filled in a Sanitary Manner

4. The Dairy Farmer Displays a Sign Indicating That Raw Milk Does NotProvide the Protection of Pasteurization

5. The Dairy Farmer is Not Liable for Selling a Product as Authorized by the Bill

Will Wisconsin Be the 26th

StateTo Allow the Sale

of Raw Milk

Proponents of Assembly Bill 628

1. Freedom Issue2. Consumer Demand3. Economic Issue4. Natural Food 5. Health

Hearing March 10

• Adults know what Raw Milk is and accept the risks

• Will help keep small dairy farms in business by eliminating the middleman

Hearing March 10

• There are Health Benefits to Raw Milk

• Big Business vs Small Farmers

• Department favors large farms so they are picking on small producers by enforcing the law

Hearing March 10

• Health Risks• Image of Industry• Liability Issue

Next Steps

• Time is running out• 6 more session days• Hearing in Eau Claire,

WI• Politics• DATCP Working

GroupSenator

Kathleen Vinehout

Raw Milk Policy Working Group

Goal:To explore and evaluate legal and regulatory

alternatives under Wisconsin law that:• May allow dairy farmers to sell

unpasteurized fluid raw milk to customers on their farms

• Under what conditions this might be done that would also protect public health

Raw Milk Policy Working Group

Diverse Membership• University • Producers both large & small• Processors • Trade Associations • Farm Organizations• County Health • Consumers

What will Happen?

• Legislature will run out of time– Still In committee – Authors working on amendments

• Raw Milk Working Group will report

Thank You

Any Questions