New Raw Milk Bill Being Proposed in Wisconsin

Two Republican state lawmakers are cosponsoring a bill that would allow Wisconsin dairy farmers to sell their unpasteurized milk directly to consumers under certain conditions. This week, Rep. Don Pridemore of Harford and Sen. Glenn Grothman from West Bend began circulating a proposal in which producers could sell raw milk if they had a special license from the state and if the customer brought their own sanitized container. The farm would also be required to hold a Grade A permit to be eligible.

Last spring, former Governor Jim Doyle vetoed a proposal that would have allowed farmers to sell their raw milk if there were certain safeguards in place to protect the public. But Governor Scott Walker said in January that he would likely sign a similar bill if it were to come across his desk.

Supporters say raw milk tastes better, contains bacteria that helps fight disease and is more natural. But others fear that even one instance of bacteria contamination could make people sick, thus having a negative publicity impact on the entire dairy industry.