ABP resolution Re supply management

[cpallett]

gf, while I like the idea I don't see it flying in Ontario any time soon. Mike Schmidt lost his appeal earlier this year and was convicted of selling unpasteurized milk.

"An example of the statutory curtailment of the lawful entitlement to consume raw milk is apparent in Section 15(1) of the Milk Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.12 (hereinafter Milk Act). That provision mandates that all milk plants (which include a milk transfer station or premises where cream or milk is processed) be licensed by "the Director" appointed by regulation under the Act. Sections 18(1) and 18(2) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.7 (hereinafter H.P.P.A.), further limit consumer access by effectively prohibiting both the sale, delivery and/or distribution of unpasteurized milk, cream or other processed milk products or products derived from raw milk."

Mike had the brilliant idea of selling shares in his cattle to the consumers of his milk so that they would all be owners/farmers and thus be allowed to consume the unpasteurized product of the animals under the farmer and his/her family exception.

Great idea but the court blew him up anyway. Lots of press, lots of controversy, no change in the law.

[grassfarmer]

Schmidt blew himself up if I understand it correctly. If I remember right he was in trouble several years ago and went all the way to the supreme court where he won his case that the share set up providing raw milk was legal. This is a second go-round and I was told it came about because he was caught selling illegally outwith his share holder set up - to an undercover operative.
I agree with you that changing the rules on raw milk will be the hardest part. I believe the science supports changing the law though as pasturization was used (and needed) to prevent problems that occurred in 19th century Europe. The conditions in North America in the 21st centuary are totally different yet still we pasturize.

[ag-boy]

very interesting topic!
I doin,t trust drinking raw milk any more ! yes when we where farming here 50 years ago it was very common raw milk no coolers and me be less sickness ,
Todays live style is different g-f
organic farming is going on in England ,
Organic milk over there is hauled in special tank,s to same factory and sold to stores under special tac ORGANIC not raw, but by law has to be pasteurize .
We noticed the same in our travel to all of europa , no supply management needed !! to start Organic selling !
Canada Gold had same idee like a private organice s m group try to sell in europe to bad no luck, all lost their large share input money , reading on there C G B news of 20 million loss share members input money , and some A L M A tax money given to them ,many looking for a hand out it is nice to have a supportive AB government p-c ,