Two Scenarios
For Our Milk

During the next few weeks the Vermont House Agriculture Committee will be considering the Farm Fresh Milk Restoration Act of 2008. This bill would allow for Vermont dairy farmers to sell unlimited quantities of un-pasteurized milk under a certification and safety program, to advertise its availability, and to deliver to prepaid customers.

Some of the most common uncertainties are described as concerns about public health. Because milk is a bodily fluid produced directly from blood there are two scenarios that keep running through my mind.

In the first, there is healthy living soil supporting vibrant plant growth. This supports a vital healthy bovine, whose milk possesses the life force of her immune system. The un-pasteurized milk in turn provides all this to those who consume it.

Some of the milk available in stores is produced like that, but by a huge proportion it is a product of a different scenario.

Soil is killed by application of chemical pesticides. It is then enriched by application of chemical fertilizers. This supports plants that are fed to cows in high stress environments where they are given chemical pharmaceuticals to prevent disease. Then the milk is processed, and more chemicals are added to fortify the remaining liquid.

I’m confused. Whose health are we concerned about?

If you think that farmers should be able to provide a product to people who are truly interested in the health of their youngsters and elderly, then contact Rural Vermont in Montpelier at 802-223-7222, to find out how you can help.

Carl B. Russell

Randolph