A raw milk action alert sent to Wisconsin members earlier this week mentioned "that there has been pressure from some of the large corporations (such as Organic Valley) to either regulate or put a stop to the sale of raw milk by shareholder dairies."
The comment about Organic Valley was made, in part, because of an email that was sent by Rachel Turgasen (National Dairy Farm Quality Manager) on July 6, 2009 to Jacqueline Owens of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection (DATCP). The email read as follows:
Jackie,
I know we've had some discussions in the past about raw milk sales and cow shares. At this time, how is WI DATCP addressing these issues? More & more, I am learning of farms engaging in raw sales off-farm of raw milk, raw cheese, raw butter. I'm sure you saw the recent article (June 2009) about the raw milk business in WI.
Basically, I'm wondering how/if DATCP is regulating this and where the burden lies.
This is such a controversial issue on both sides of the fence.
As always, thanks for your time!
Rachel
Shortly after the email was sent, several shareholder dairies received a visit from a DATCP investigator.
In response to calls (and emails) Organic Valley has received since the action alert went out and to clarify their position on raw milk, Jamie Johnson (Organic Valley's Public Affairs Manager) has issued the following statement:
1) The email that our National Dairy Farm Quality Manager sent to DATCP in July was intended for educational purposes NOT to pressure DATCP to regulate and stop raw milk sales in Wisconsin. As our National Dairy Farm Quality Manager, it is her job to be up to date on policy and legislation about issues that pertain to dairy.
2) We encourage DATCP to engage in an open conversation with all stakeholders, including farmers, consumers and legislators.
3) Organic Valley recognizes the nutritional benefits of fresh, raw milk, and we support those who choose to consume raw milk products.
4) We believe that Transparency and Continual Improvement are core organic principles and invite anyone interested in learning more about our products and positions to visit www.organicvalley.coop, call us at 1-888-444-MILK or email us at organic@organicvalley.coop
FTCLDF will be sending future alerts on the situation in Wisconsin as developments warrant.
