PHILIPPI W.Va (WDTV) – House bill 4911 went into effect on June 7 of this year. The bill allows for the sale of raw milk in West Virginia, but it has raised eyebrows among insurance agencies due to food illness concerns.
“Everything that your farm operation does is not covered by insurance, and so your farm assets, or personal assets would be liable,” Jesse Richardson, professor, WVU College of Law.
The controversy is because raw milk does not go through the pasteurization process, which involves heating milk to remove potential harmful bacteria. The West Virginia Department of Agriculture says sellers deserve freedom. However, they must follow certain rules.
“They must have a label on that gives the name and address of the seller they must identify it clearly as raw milk, unpasteurized milk, and it must have a warning label,” said Norman Bailey, Chief of Staff, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Even though raw milk has some opposition, folks who have farmed all their life believe raw milk is the best option.
“It does have a different taste than store milk, also I think it’s healthier for you, and if you are a farmer, it helps supplement your income. It helps you produce something the whole community can have,” said Lisa Knight, Barbour County farmer.
Farmers want people to know they are following regulations, like keeping the milk at 35 to 42 degrees, and they believe opposers should leave them be.
“Just like anything else, I don’t think raw milk is for everyone. If you’re not comfortable drinking, don’t drink it, but don’t take right away from people that’s been raised doing it,” said Knight.
MOVCAC.com: Please note it has been proven that people have used and enjoyed “Raw Milk” long before there was a West Virginia ANYTHING
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