(PA) Senate Ag Committee to Hold Hearings on Raw Milk During Fall Session

[Guest guest]

I came across an interesting development in Pennsylvania this morning and

thought it was worth passing on.

Don

http://www.solanconews.com/Farm/Gov/070901_rawmilk.htm

Senate Ag Committee to Hold Hearings on Raw Milk During

Fall Session

HARRISBURG -- The Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee

will hold informational hearings during the coming months, including one

concerning the sale of raw milk and raw milk products, Committee chairman

Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) said Friday. The hearing on raw milk will be

held Tuesday, September 18, at 10 a.m. in Hearing Room 1 of the North

Office Building on the Capitol complex.

“During the listening sessions the Agriculture Committee held last

spring, several farmers addressed the production and sale of raw milk and

raw milk products,” Brubaker said, noting that current state law allows

farmers, with the proper permits, to sell raw milk and aged cheeses made

from raw milk. “Given their interest, as well as recent media attention

regarding the safety of unpasteurized milk products, I think it would be

beneficial for committee members to have a public discussion on the

matter.”

Brubaker indicated that there is some controversy over the food safety

issues versus the perceived health benefits of raw milk products. In

addition, other factors such as the potential profit margin for farmers

and the role of government in ensuring consumer safety must be taken into

consideration.

“Another priority farmers brought to our attention in the listening

sessions was the need to create additional direct marketing and

value-added opportunities for milk products,” Brubaker said.

“This hearing will help the Agriculture Committee determine if changes

should be made to current law to allow production and sale of a broader

range of products, including soft cheeses, butter and ice cream made from

raw milk,” Brubaker continued. “We strive for a comprehensive and

balanced policy on this issue that addresses the needs and concerns of

all interested parties.”

The date and time of other planned hearings have not yet been finalized,

although Brubaker said it is his intention to continue the hearings

throughout the fall session.

“I am looking forward to a busy and productive fall session, and welcome

all input as we move forward on these issues,” Brubaker said.

Don Neeper

Senior Software Engineer

SofTechnics, a METTLER TOLEDO Company

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