Monthly Archives: February 2015

Prevention Magazine Weighs Pros and Cons of Raw Milk

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Prevention, a popular women’s magazine that covers a range of health and beauty topics, recently published an article weighing the risks and benefits of raw milk.

“Should You Drink Raw Milk?” examines raw milk in the context of other of-the-moment health foods like kimchi, kombucha and chia seeds. The author explains to her audience what exactly is raw milk, why the CDC and FDA urge people not to drink it, what are the health benefits that raw milk advocates claim it has, and if there are any raw milk alternatives.

This is not the first time that raw milk has entered mainstream discussion through credible national outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. While Prevention ultimately takes a middle-of-the-road position by stating raw milk is a “try at your own risk” lifestyle choice, its addition to mainstream discussion is a positive step forward for raw milk advocates wishing to spread the message of raw milk’s benefits.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.

Portlandia Pokes Fun at Raw Milk Regulations

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A recent episode of popular TV show Portlandia shows characters Brendan and Michelle as they discover that raw milk is the ultimate cure for their fatigue, efficiency, aches and pains, and lackluster complexions.

“Raw milk – it’s the future!” they exclaim as they make it their mission to spread the word about raw milk and its health benefits.

Watch the hilarious Portlandia on Raw Milk clip here.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.

South Dakota Senate Passes Raw Milk Bill

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The South Dakota State Senate has passed a bill that would put raw milk in the same regulatory category as Grade A milk and manufacturing-grade milk, making raw milk a legal product as it will be more easily regulated by the state.

Senate Bill 45 is the result of the hard work of a Raw Milk Work Group that was formed in February 2014 following the recommendation of the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The work group included Department of Agriculture Secretary Lucas Lentsch and other department representatives, dairy industry representatives, and raw milk producers and consumers. (See South Dakota Raw Milk Wins–Dakota Rural)

The passing of Senate Bill 45 means that raw milk and raw cream will be legal for sale directly to consumers (though only for delivery at farmers’ markets), through a distinct set of rules for the sale of raw milk for human consumption. Raw milk producers will still need to obtain a license and permit, must maintain sales records for notification purposes, and their facilities will still be subject to annual inspection by the Department of Agriculture.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.

Will Raw Goat’s Milk Be Legalized in Southern Nevada?

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Clark County, which is located in Southern Nevada and includes the city of Las Vegas, is establishing a dairy commission to regulate the quality of raw milk products and hopefully legalize the sales of raw goat’s milk in the area.

The commission would be responsible for, “…setting the rules governing the production, distribution and sale of raw dairy products. This could include everything from setting standards on bacterial counts in milk products to overseeing investigators who test and analyze raw milk products before they’re approved for sale” (Does Las Vegas Need Milk Commission – Las Vegas Sun). The commission would be made up of a doctor, veterinarian and member of the public.

Some criticize the decision to only include goat’s milk, saying it avoids the controversy stemming from the type of raw milk that is more in-demand: raw cow’s milk. Others point out that the legalizing goat’s milk would be a promising step towards the ultimate legalization of cow’s milk.

This is not the first time that raw milk has made political headlines in Nevada. In May 2013, the Nevada Senate approved a bill to legalize the sale of raw milk in Las Vegas and across the state. This bill was ultimately vetoed by Governor Sandoval (see Nevada Senate says Yes to Raw Milk in Las Vegas).

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.

Maine Activists Optimistic for Food Rights in 2015

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Despite difficulty passing measures by the Maine State Legislature to legalize raw milk and the highly publicized loss of farmer Dan Brown’s case in the Maine State Supreme Court, Mainers remain optimistic about several small food freedom bills which are being fought for in 2015.

At least three bills would legalize the sale of raw milk in some form; one bill would create a “farms-to-farmers markets” certification program; one ambitious bill would create a constitutional amendment declaring that Mainers have a “right to food.”

Representative Craig Hickman, the author of the latter, is himself a farmer and staunch proponent of food sovereignty as well as co-chairman of the Maine State Legislature’s Agriculture Committee.

“When asked Friday whether such an amendment would mean individuals have a right to buy, prepare and eat whatever food they want — whether it comes from a licensed, inspected farm or not — Hickman said he believed such an interpretation would be correct” (see Local Activists Say They’re Optimistic – Bangor Daily News).

The growing number of food-related bills moving through the legislature indicates that many Mainers see food freedom as a pressing issue and will continue to fight for it, despite the opposition they may face.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.

Wyoming House of Representatives to Vote on Food Freedom Bill

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The Wyoming House of Representatives is preparing to deliver a final vote on House Bill 56, the “Wyoming Food Freedom Act,” which would legalize the sales of homegrown foods from farms directly to consumers without interference from the state.

Wyoming House Bill 56 would apply to all homemade and homegrown foods, including raw milk, eggs, jam and other commonly purchased farm goods. Essentially, this bill would, “…exempt so-called single transactions of food between the producer and any ‘informed end consumer’ from inspections, licensing and certifications by the state” (see Wyoming House Ready to Vote on Food Freedom on Food Safety News).

One of the bill’s sponsors, Representative Tyler Lindholm, points out that people all across Wyoming are already purchasing such foods from neighboring farmers and ranchers; this bill simply legalizes sales that are already happening – sales that shouldn’t be regulated by the state in the first place.

The Wyoming House Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee already approved Bill 56 by an 8-1 vote in January 2015.

Realmilk.com is a consumer education project of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a nutrition education nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. Visit their website, westonaprice.org.