Important Update
on Raw Milk Situation in California
The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund has agreed to research legal options
to overturn AB 1735, a new California law that mandates standards so stringent
that raw milk dairies would not be able to comply on a consistent basis. By
eliminating the major producers of raw milk in California and sending a clear
message to legislators in other states, this law will adversely affect the
availability of raw milk throughout the country.
BACKGROUND
The law, signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on October 8 and scheduled to take
effect January 1, imposes a strict limit of 10 coliform bacteria per milliliter
in tests taken at the point of sale. All other states with the coliform limit
of ten for retail raw milk test at the bulk tank. Since coliform bacteria
rapidly divide and multiply whenever milk is sent through pipes, the new law
will mean an end to raw milk sales in California.
Neither Organic Pastures Dairy nor Claravale Dairy, the two licensed raw
milk dairies in California, were notified of hearings on the bill. Spokesmen
for both dairies have expressed opposition to the legislation, which they
characterize as a "sneak attack" on raw milk.
Most coliform bacteria are not pathogens but essential probiotic good bacteria.
Both dairies have a superlative safety record. Claravale has been supplying
raw milk to the public without incident for over 80 years; over 1300 tests
carried out at Organic Pastures since its founding in 1999 have failed to
find a single human pathogen.
ACTION PLAN
Spearheaded by Mark McAfee, president of Organic Pastures Dairy, consumers
are engaged in opposition to the legislation on three fronts:
- Negotiations with the California Department of Farms and Agriculture
and
the governor to overturn the legislation
- Lobbying and letter writing on the part of consumers
- Research into legal avenues to stop AB1735 in the courts.
ACTION TO TAKE
- If you can, send your donations to the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation, a
Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission statement and purpose
is, in part, to help save the nation's family farms by protecting the constitutional
right of farmers to provide their unprocessed and processed farm foods directly
to consumers through any legal means. If everyone receiving this email would
donate just $25 to the Farm-to-Consumer Foundation, we'd have the funds
needed to mount a powerful campaign. By donating to the Foundation, you
will contribute to the AB1735 Revolt and ensure that your right to raw milk
and raw milk products is protected. Go to:
https://www.ptfassociates.com/secure/ftcldf/ftcfdonation_ab.asp
to make your tax-deductible donation. You may also send a check to:
Farm-to-Consumer Foundation
AB1735 Legal Defense Campaign
8116 Arlington Blvd., Suite 263,
Falls Church, VA 22042
California stores that carry raw milk have said they will add to the kitty
as well. The goal is to raise about $35,000 dollars in the next few weeks
to fund very aggressive legal protection actions to stop AB 1735 via court
proceedings and subsequent litigation. Your donations can also help expose
the parties that performed this quiet and surgical sneak attack on your
rights to eat the foods of your choosing.
- Keep those letters coming to legislators and the governor of California.
For contact information and sample letters, go to:
http://organicpastures.com/contact_lawmakers.html.
Thank you for your help in keeping raw milk alive in California!
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