Time to Learn from Europe on Raw Dairy Benefits

It's not often I would recommend that the United States follow the policy initiatives of our friends in Europe, but on the issue of legalizing raw dairy milk, I would advise Wisconsin consumers and legislators to take a critical look at what European countries  have been doing for years - selling and consuming raw dairy milk.  In Italy, consumers can actually buy raw milk from vending machines!

Not that I am suggesting Wisconsin goes as far as that, but I do think Wisconsin could join Europe and 25 other states in legalizing the sale of raw milk.   I signed on as a co-sponsor to a bill that would legalize the sale of unpasteurized (commonly called raw) milk and other milk products.   I became aware of the growing support for legalizing the selling of raw milk after meeting with about 60 raw dairy supporters in my district back in October.

Senate Bill 434 authorizes a dairy farmer with a grade A dairy farm permit to sell unpasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter, and cream directly to consumers on the farm if the dairy farmer obtains a raw milk permit from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).   The bill also provides that a dairy farmer is not liable for selling a product as authorized by the bill.

During a lengthy public hearing in Eau Claire, hundreds of raw milk supporters provided compelling arguments on the merits of the proposal.  Their reasoning was based on health benefits, economic benefits and consumer choice.

Supporters pointed to research which shows that raw milk is considered a "complete" and "properly balanced" food.  It contains all of the needed vitamins and minerals that your body requires and contains all of the 8 essential amino acids - just a few of the many health benefits.  Even the medical profession is recognizing the health benefits of raw milk.  A mother testifying at the hearing indicated that her child's medical doctor recently advised her to start providing raw milk for her son to eliminate his frequent ear aches.

The price a farmer can receive for a gallon of raw milk can be as high as $5 gallon while they typically generate an estimated $2.00 per gallon for milk destined for pasteurization.  Wisconsin dairy farms are still in dire financial trouble and the income generated from raw milk provides revenue that could save many of our small dairy farms.  During the hearing, a young dairy farm family described the necessity of selling raw milk for their farm's economic livelihood.  This is clearly a niche market that consumers are supporting and farmers should be able to capitalize on.

While DATCP officials are concerned about the possible risks involved in drinking raw milk, there is a lack of evidence proving that the risks of drinking raw milk are any worse than the risks associated with other legal food products.

Raw milk will never be a big factory industry given the high sanitation that these dedicated farmers practice to ensure the safety of their product.  It will be at the artisan level – small batches to ensure quality.   This is a matter of consumer choice and "buyer beware."  As long as the consumer is fully notified and aware of the possible negative affects, than the state should not be preventing the sale of raw milk.  It's time to join Europe and 25 other states in recognizing the health and economic benefits of drinking raw milk and allow freedom of choice for consumers in the Dairy State.