Message to raw milk consumers in California - we won a battle; what to do to win the war

We are happy to announce another victory in the fight to save our raw milk supply in California.

On Wednesday, March 19th, the Hollister Superior Court blocked the CDFA's controversial raw milk standards set forth in AB 1735.

As you know, AB 1735 requires that all raw milk sold in California contain less than 10 coliforms per ml. Not only is this a highly unreasonable standard, but coliforms are harmless beneficial bacteria; they do not cause illness! [go here for background info.]

Judge Tobias of the Hollister Superior Court granted Claravale Dairy Inc. and Organic Pastures Dairy Company LLC a “Temporary Restraining Order” (TRO) enjoining and barring CDFA from using coliform counts as a measure in raw milk production as permitted by AB 1735.

The Judge ruled that he could find no evidence that coliforms at any level placed raw milk consumers at risk. He found that the AB 1735 standards did, however, place the producers of raw milk at substantial and immediate business risk, thus jeopardizing availability of product for California's raw milk consumers.

A TRO is issued when a judge finds that there is a substantial and reasonable chance (and compelling supportive evidence) that a Permanent Restraining Order will be issued at a later hearing after additional testimony can be heard.

That hearing is coming. Here's what you need to know.

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Second Hollister Hearing

When: April 25th - time TBA
Where: Hollister Superior Court, Judge Tobias proceeding
What to Expect: Attorney Gary Cox of the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund will be arguing for a Permanent Restraining Order against further coliform testing of raw milk products in CA.

Why Attend:

1. Your attendance sends a message that raw milk matters.
2. Support Gary Cox by packing the courtroom with quiet but passionate cheerleaders.

What We Need Right Now: Your testimonials for submission as declarations to the judge. Please email mark@organicpastures.com with your name and your health testimonial asap.

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Sacramento Hearing

When Mid April - date and time to be announced
Where: State Capitol, Sacramento, Room number t.b.a.
What to Expect: OPDC and Claravale will assemble the "Dream Team" of raw milk experts, who will be speaking in defense of whole unprocessed fresh raw milk. CDFA will also be in attendance and will be asked hard questions about why they are limiting your food choices. Senator Dean Florez will conduct the hearing. We are asking all raw milk consumers to attend this huge State Senate hearing. If you have a compelling raw milk story please be prepared to share it on the record.

What We Need Right Now: We will be selecting a consumer panel in the next few weeks, to represent the most compelling testimonials. Please your name and your story to mark@organicpastures.com so I can sort through them and get the best testimonials for this panel.

We cannot stress it enough - this will be a huge day for raw milk consumers and producers. Everyone must come! We need thousands of people, wearing raw milk tee shirts and lapel pins. Bring your children. Free lapel pins and raw milk will be handed out to all attendees!