News-Record.com

I am listed on realmilk.com as a source for natural milk, and from that listing, I field an average of 4-5 contacts per week from folks mostly in NC who are looking for raw milk for themselves and their families. I have never made a milk sale (which would be illegal, if for human consumption) from these contacts, but rather try to connect them with someone who may know a producer living closer to them. The majority of these folks live in an urban or suburban area of NC and it is impossible for them to keep their own dairy animal. Many have been told by a physician to get raw milk for themselves or a relative. One desperate lady said she'd been looking for a source of fresh milk for a long time and that it would be easier for her to buy crack on her street corner than to buy fresh milk.
Refusal to create a legal avenue by which citizens of NC can make the food choice to use fresh milk rather than pasteurized will result in the price for bootleg milk to go even higher than it is already, thereby encouraging people who shouldn't be producing dairy to get into it.
Prohibition of alcohol did not work, but created a burgeoning black market for booze. Prohibition of raw milk has done the same thing.

I am pleased that this bill made it out of the Senate. The three main reasons this bill needs to be supported are:

Health - Raw milk from grassfed, pastured cows is healthier and safer than pasteurized milk. My personal health was greatly benefited from the exclusion of pasteurized milk and the addition of raw milk.

Economic - this bill will allow the farmer to direct market a product through a long term share contract. This much needed income could potentially save hundreds of small family farms in North Carolina. NC has been the leading state for loss of farms in this country. Not something to be proud of.

Freedom of choice - I have the right to consume whatever food I desire and I will defend that right.

If every food that posed a potential health risk were banned by the government, the state would starve everyone because there would be nothing left to eat.

Marc and Cynthia: Thanks for stopping by. We'll keep an eye on this measure in the House.