|
For Immediate
Release
6/27/08
 
Local Legislators Introduce Raw Milk
Legislation
Senator
Brubaker, Representative Cutler discuss needs of farmers, consumers
HARRISBURG – State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) and State Representative Bryan Cutler (R-100) announced today that they have introduced legislation expanding
options for raw milk production in Pennsylvania.
Under current law, a holder of a raw milk permit from the state Department of
Agriculture may sell only raw milk and aged cheese made from raw milk. The
legislators' bills would:
- Require the Department of Agriculture to expand the raw milk permitting
process to allow for the sale of any dairy product made from raw milk such
as butter, soft cheeses, ice cream and yogurt
- Require the Department to issue permits for the sale of raw milk and
products made from raw milk to entities, such as cooperatives, registered
with the Department; those entities would then be responsible for the
inspection and testing of their members under guidelines approved by the
Department, subject to independent verification
The two pieces of legislation have been introduced as
House Bill 2596 and
2597 and
Senate Bill 1500 and
1501 in their respective chambers.
"We have been working on the issue of raw milk for more than a year and I
believe these bills are a good start to further the debate," Cutler said. "While
we may not be able to address everyone's concerns in the first round, I do
believe we will make more progress on this issue than in the last 70 years."
Brubaker said that he is introducing the two bills in the Senate after
hearing from farmers and consumers during a hearing on raw milk issues held on
September 18, 2007, by the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, which
Brubaker chairs. He said that hearing developed following the listening sessions
held by the Committee through the spring of 2007.
"My colleagues and I heard from across the state during the listening
sessions about the importance of allowing farmers access to the tools they need
to remain profitable and consumers access to products they want," Brubaker
said.
"I look forward to working with everyone going forward on the issue of raw
milk and raw milk products," Cutler added. "I hope that we can raise awareness
and educate the public while engaging in a respectful debate."
Contact:
Kristin Crawford (Senator Brubaker's
office), 717-787-4420
Jessica Keffer (Representative Cutler's office), 717-786-4551
 Print this page
E-mail
this page
Back |
