A Bill recently introduced into the Oregon House aims to create an exemption from license requirements for people who slaughters less than 1,000 poultry per year, and allows for licensing facilities for processing and distribution of unpasteurized cow milk.
Links to more information:
- OregonLive – House Bill 2222
- This bill was introduced by request of Friends of Family Farmers.
Articles on HB 2222:
- KVAL – Should Oregon Legalize Raw Cow’s Milk?
- NaturalNews – Several states consider loosening raw milk restrictions as FDA tries to tighten them
- Montavilla Farmers Market- Food Bills in the 2011 Oregon Legislature
- Change.org – Raw Milk Gets Support in Oregon’s Family Farm Bill
- Sign the Petition at Change.org – Help get Safe Food From Our Farms to Your Table: Support HB 2222
- Boondocker’s Farm – The Family Farmer Act (HB 2222) Lets do it!
From the Editor:
It is currently legal in Oregon to sell raw milk under certain situations. The restrictions on the farmer include not being able to advertise, deliver the milk, or have more than 3 cows.
I don’t think this bill goes nearly far enough to lift restrictions on raw milk. I think that a farmer should not be required to have a license to sell to me. I should be able to buy directly from a farmer on or off the farm site. My farmer should be able to advertise, and have as many cows as they can comfortably handle. I do not feel that licensing is required unless the farmer is selling through stores or distributors, and that is what I am going to tell my representative.
Please contact your representatives and the House committee members to tell them what you think.
- Oregon State Legislature – Find Your Legislator
- Read the full text of the Bill.
House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources 2011 Members (503-986-1763):
- Co-chairs
- Rep. Brian Clem
- Rep. Bob Jenson
- Members
- Rep. Deborah Boone
- Rep. Sal Esquivel
- Rep. Mike Schaufler
- Rep. Sherrie Sprenger
If you find out any additional information about this bill, please post it in the comments below.