RAW MILK legislation in New York! Citizen action needed!

This is a very very positive turn of events but needs peoples' support! If you're a NYS resident please make your voice heard ASAP!



ACTION ALERT
RAW MILK LEGISLATION IN NEW YORK

The New York State Senate is preparing to act on new raw milk legislation that would provide for the production and retail sale of raw milk for human consumption by permit issued by the commissioner.

New York State Senator Cathy Young introduced S6827, a bill that would allow retail sale of raw milk by producers holding a permit from the Commissioner of New York State Agriculture and Markets/

This bill has been read twice, printed, and committed to the Committee on Consumer Protection and will be brought before the Senate in May 2008.

Raw milk continues to enjoy growing demand as consumers search for healthy food that contains all of its natural goodness.

Raw milk is also a major issue in many states as the nation struggles to find a workable solution to the growing demand for raw milk and the hindrances to availability by requiring on farm sales only.

This bill would allow retail sale of raw milk in stores and make raw milk more readily available to people who do not live near a farm permitted to sell raw milk. To view the proposed law S6827 go to the Senate website;


http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menugetf.cgi


ACTION TO TAKE
Now is the time to make your voice heard by contacting your Senators and Assembly. NY residents, include your name, town, and county with all correspondence;

Senator Charles Fuschillo
Chair-Consumer Protection Committee
915 LOB
Albany, N.Y. 12247
Fax: 518-426-6823
Email: fuschill@senate.state.ny.us

send copies of your correspondence to;

Senator Cathy Young
805 LOB
Albany, N.Y. 12247
Fax: 518-426-6905
Email: cyoung@senate.state.ny.us

Assemblyman Daniel Burling
635 LOB
Albany, N.Y. 12247
Fax: 518-455-5691
Email: burlingd@assembly.state.ny.us

Assembly Bill Magee
Chair-Ass. Ag. Committee
828 LOB
Albany, N.Y. 12248
Email: mageew@assembly.state.ny.us



TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to authorizing the production for retail sale and retail sale of raw milk

PURPOSE:

This bill allows for the production and sale of raw milk directly to consumers for off-site consumption at retail points of sale off the farm site where such milk was produced.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

This legislation creates a new section in NYS Agriculture and Markets Law which allows for the production and sale of raw milk directly to consumers for off-site consumption at retail points of sale off the farm site where such milk was produced.

The Department of Agriculture and Markets shall promulgate relations to govern the production, packaging and labeling, and transportation of raw milk for off-site consumption at retail points of sale off the farm site where such milk was produced. Appropriate signage notifying consumers of the sale of raw milk and that raw milk lacks the protection of pasteurization is to be posted all points of sale.

JUSTIFICATION:

As part of the growing consumer trend to purchase local and/or organic farm products, there has been increasing consumer demand for raw milk. This bill responds to this expanding niche market, gives New York dairy producers another outlet to sell their product and helps dairy operations grow their business. Currently, raw milk may only be purchased by consumers at the farm where such milk is produced. Under strict requirements by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, this legislation allows for the production and sale of raw milk directly to consumers for off-site consumption at retail points of sale off the farm site where such milk was produced.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
180 days after enactment into law.
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