A plan that would legalize raw milk sales in Wisconsin is getting another airing at the state Capitol.
This plan would not let people buy raw, unpasteurized milk on supermarket shelves, but it would allow for on-the-farm sales that are happening illegally right now. It's being fought by a broad coalition of medical professionals and farm groups.
Lobbyist Shawn Pfaff represents the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and the Dairy Business Association. He says they're worried a raw milk-induced illness would damage the hard earned brand of Wisconsin's dairy industry. “We have 'America's Dairyland' on our license plates. That's why I believe the raw milk proponents so badly want to make this legal in this state because if they get Wisconsin, America's Dairyland, then they think they can go all over the country.”
A different version of this plan passed the legislature when Democrats were in control in 2010. Now, raw milk proponents are hoping to appeal to the libertarian sympathies of majority Republicans. Raw milk advocate Mark Kastel with the Cornucopia Institute blasted efforts to kill this bill, calling them a crass example of corporate lobby power. “The full court press by the dairy lobby is a protectionist attempt to circumvent competition they can't control.”
Raw milk advocate Vince Hundt says many consumers are choosing raw milk because it includes “good bacteria” that are by definition destroyed in the pasteurization process. He says the important thing to remember about this legislation is that consumers would see dairy farms for themselves before they buy raw milk. “If you follow that principle, the health and safety issues will take care of themselves. Trust people!”
Gov. Jim Doyle vetoed a similar bill. Gov. Scott Walker has yet to say what he'd do if it reaches his desk.
