Page 93 - Summer2009

platform to press for a total ban on the sale of at the state and local level, not by the federal government.
raw milk. With NCIMS dropping the herd share 3. The bill supports family farms by expanding their markets for raw
issue and the support among State regulators for dairy products. The bill increases the chances of survival for those
NCIMS and the PMO to focus solely on pasteur- dairies that are no longer able to subsist solely on the income from
ized milk, we can hope that there will be greater the dairy cooperative system.
resistance if FDA continues to push individual 7KH ELOO SURPRWHV WKH ORFDO IRRG PRYHPHQW E\ FRQQHFWLQJ FRQVXPHUV
States to either ban the sale of raw milk or to with producers who happen to live just across state lines.
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system, e.g., such as tainted imports and under-inspected large-scale
FEDERAL BILL HR 778 food processors.
An online petition has been posted at the
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund website As Congressman Paul stated in introducing the bill, “Americans have
(www.farmtoconsumer.org) in support of HR the right to consume these products without having the federal government
778, a bill introduced by Representative Ron second-guess their judgment about what products best promote health. If
Paul that would effectively overturn the interstate there are legitimate concerns about the safety of unpasteurized milk, those
ban on raw milk for human consumption (see concerns should be addressed at the state and local level.” Those with
Wise Traditions Spring 2009 issue). The petition questions about the bill are encouraged to contact the Farm-to-Consumer
enables signers to send a personalized email Legal Defense Fund.
directly to their representative and both sena-
tors as well as providing the option of sending THE SHARON PALMER CASE
a copy to their local newspaper. Citizens living Good news from California. Sharon Palmer appeared at an arraign-
abroad are able to sign as well. For those without ment before the Ventura County Court and had her case dismissed by the
internet access, a hardcopy version of the peti- judge. [See Wise Traditions Spring 2009 issue for background on the case.]
tion for collecting handwritten signatures can Sharon had earlier been charged with “processing milk or milk products
be downloaded or requested at 703-208-3276. without pasteurization” and “processing for resale milk or milk products
Supporters of the bill are also encouraged to without a license”—both felonies under California law. The March 11 hear-
call, fax and visit their legislators to ask them to ing marked the third time Palmer had been arraigned; the Ventura County
become co-sponsors for the bill. 3URVHFXWRU¶V 2I¿FH GLG QRW VHQG D SURVHFXWRU WR DQ\ RI WKH DUUDLJQPHQWV
In promoting passage of HR 778, it is good The bad news is that under California law, the prosecutor has up to three
to emphasize any of the following points: years to reintroduce the charges against her. The Ventura County Sheriff’s
Department has yet to return any of the computers or business records
1. The bill upholds consumer freedom of seized during January 28 raids of both Sharon’s farm and the home of her
choice. The consumption of raw dairy daughter Jennifer Prince.
SURGXFWV LV OHJDO LQ DOO ¿IW\ VWDWHV 7KH ELOO For the latest developments on raw milk issues, go to www.thecom-
enables consumers to exercise their legal pletepatient.com.
right in States where the sale of raw milk Those who have not joined the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense
and/or raw milk products is illegal or where Fund are encouraged to do so. Membership applications are available
there are no in-State sources. online at www.farmtoconsumer.org or by calling (703) 208-FARM (3276);
2. The bill honors States’ rights. Decisions the mailing address is 8116 Arlington Blvd, Suite 263, Falls Church, VA
about the safety of raw milk should be made

VICTORY IN TENNESSEE

A bill formally legalizing cow shares has been passed by both the State House of Representatives and the Senate and
signed into law by Governor Phil Bredesen on May 21. The bill simply states that nothing in the law “shall be construed as
prohibiting the independent or partial owner of any hoofed mammal from using the milk from such animal for the owner’s
personal consumption or other use.” The House sponsor of the bill was Frank Nicely (R-Knoxville, District 17); the Senate
sponsor was Mike Faulk (R-Kingsport, District 4). Congratulations to Brentwood WAPF Chapter Leader Shawn Dady and
Tennesseans for Raw Milk (www.tennesseansforrawmilk.com) for their persistent efforts —spanning several years —in
getting this legislation passed.

SUMMER 2009 Wise Traditions 91