DiMAIO BILL PERMITTING SALES OF RAW MILK PASSES ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John DiMaio, R-Warren, Hunterdon and Somerset, allowing only farms and authorized properties to sell raw milk was approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee today.

In order to obtain a permit, the bill (A-518) requires an applicant to: certify that no growth hormones will be used in the production process; post signing that indicates the raw milk is not pasteurized; allow regular inspections by the Department of Agriculture; and be in compliance with all applicable dairy laws in New Jersey.

“This legislation gives New Jersey consumers the opportunity to purchase raw milk in our state, instead of traveling to Pennsylvania, New York or the other 37 states which already allow it,” said DiMaio. “People throughout the country have been drinking raw milk for generations because they like it or believe it is beneficial. The consumer who goes to a farm to purchase this product is truly on a destination trip – there isn’t a mix-up or confusion about what kind of milk they are buying which could potentially occur if it were sold at a retail outlet.

“Many New Jersey farmers are struggling to survive and giving them the opportunity to market raw milk will save jobs and maintain their livelihood,” continued DiMaio. “The legislation provides for the necessary safeguards that establish the standards a licensee must maintain in order to receive a permit and protect the consumer.”

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