To: The Rhode Island State House and The Rhode Island State Senate
State of Rhode Island: Legalize Raw Milk - S 15 / House Bill 5820
A bill to legalize and regulate the sales of raw milk has been introduced into the House and Senate (currently being heard by the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture).
Back in the 20s, Americans could buy fresh raw whole milk, real clabber and buttermilk, luscious naturally yellow butter, fresh farm cheeses and cream in various colors and thicknesses. Today’s milk is accused of causing everything from allergies to heart disease to cancer, but when Americans could buy Real Milk, these diseases were rare. In fact, a supply of high-quality dairy products was considered vital to American security and the economic well being of the nation.
Back in the 20s, Americans could buy fresh raw whole milk, real clabber and buttermilk, luscious naturally yellow butter, fresh farm cheeses and cream in various colors and thicknesses. Today’s milk is accused of causing everything from allergies to heart disease to cancer, but when Americans could buy Real Milk, these diseases were rare. In fact, a supply of high-quality dairy products was considered vital to American security and the economic well being of the nation.
Why is this important?
This bill will benefit farmers and small businesses in Rhode Island, revitalizing the state's dairy industry. Pasteurization laws favor large, industrialized dairy operations and squeeze out small farmers. When farmers have the right to sell unprocessed milk to consumers, they can make a decent living, even with small herds.
This bill will also provide consumers the option to purchase raw milk in Rhode Island. This is a fight for food freedom, the right to choose the food we consume.
*CURRENT SITUATION FOR RAW MILK SALES*
Retail sales are legal in 10 states
On-farm sales are legal in 15 states
Herdshares are legal in 4 states
There is no law on herdshares in 6 states
Pet food sales are legal in 4 states, implying that human consumption is feasible
Raw milk sales are illegal in 11 states and the District of Columbia
Please, personally, contact your representatives and tell them you want raw milk legalized in Rhode Island!
For a list of the Senate members in the committee and their email addresses visit: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/ComMembers/ComMemS.asp?ComChoiceS=SEAA
This bill will also provide consumers the option to purchase raw milk in Rhode Island. This is a fight for food freedom, the right to choose the food we consume.
*CURRENT SITUATION FOR RAW MILK SALES*
Retail sales are legal in 10 states
On-farm sales are legal in 15 states
Herdshares are legal in 4 states
There is no law on herdshares in 6 states
Pet food sales are legal in 4 states, implying that human consumption is feasible
Raw milk sales are illegal in 11 states and the District of Columbia
Please, personally, contact your representatives and tell them you want raw milk legalized in Rhode Island!
For a list of the Senate members in the committee and their email addresses visit: http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/ComMembers/ComMemS.asp?ComChoiceS=SEAA