TAKE ACTION

Action Step #1: Attend the committee hearing if possible!

Thank the Senate Judicial Committee for maintaining the legality of Herd Share arrangements, as this works for small farms, their consumers, and the community. Allowing for herd shares maintains consumer freedom of choice and supports family farms.

Ask the Committee to consider simply removing Section 20 (concerning raw milk) and Section 15 (b)(concerning the study) from the farm bill. Those in favor of SB 639 have not provided any evidence showing a need for any change to the current law concerning raw milk in North Carolina. Leaving in the language requiring a study suggests that the legislature is continuing to consider changes to lawful herd share arrangements which benefit local economies and communities.

If the Committee does not wish to remove Section 20, then Section 15 (b) concerning the study should be removed, as should the prohibition on raw milk as pet food. Many animals benefit dramatically from consuming raw milk, and there has been no reason provided to prohibit the practice. The legislature should not require a study into lawful herd share practices that are serving local producers and communities.

Action Step #2

Spread the word! Send this Action Alert email to your friends, families, and customer list. We thank you for your partnership!