Personal Injury Law

Washington State Legislature may consider loosening raw milk rules

By Bill Marler, Esq.

It seems a nearly everyday occurrence that the raw milk lobby tries to change some state law related to raw milk production and consumption. The new bill in Washington (a state that already allows for certified raw milk dairies to sell raw milk products on farm and retail) would be 'AN ACT Relating to direct sales of milk; and adding a new section to chapter 15.36 RCW.' Here is the actual language: BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 15.36 RCW to read as follows:

(1) This chapter does not apply to milk sold directly to the consumer at the premises where produced if:

(a) The milk is produced on a small farm; and

(b) The milk is not advertised for sale.

(2) As used in this section, "small farm" means a location where there are no more than two producing dairy cows, nine producing sheep, or nine producing goats on the premises where milk is produced.

In essence, this amendment would exclude from any regulation raw milk sales that occur on a farm if the farm has no more that two cows, nine sheep or goats.

Full post as published by Marler Blog on January 28, 2011 (boomark / email).