Cow in Boston Common for raw milk enthusiasts

BOSTON (FOX 25 / myfoxboston.com) - A group of raw milk enthusiasts and dairy farmers, along with a cow, participated in a “Raw Milk Drink In” in Boston Common today to protest a proposed law restricting the right to their dairy products.

The group protested until 2:00 p.m. in response to an effort by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to restrict the delivery of raw milk to thousands of consumers throughout Massachusetts.

“This law would deny us our right to choose what we eat and drink," said Alexis Baden-Mayer, political director for the Organic Consumers Association.

A cow was in Boston Common starting at 8:00 this morning for the “Raw Milk Drink In.” The cow’s milk was free for drinking.

A press conference was held on the State House steps and a public hearing was conducted at the MDAR. Farmers, enthusiasts and experts, including David Gumpert, author of “The Raw Milk Revolution: Behind America’s Emerging Battle Over Food Rights,” worked to bring their word to the state.

Over three million Americans now prefer organic raw milk and other raw dairy products because of its nutritional benefits. The milk also comes from small, local producers who pasture their cows rather than keep them confined in dairy feedlots.

The FDA has stated that there are health risks associated with unpasteurized milk, but there have been no reported cases of raw milk-related illnesses, according to the Organic Consumers Association.

“We don't need a 'new solution,'” said Baden-Mayer. “Up until this proposed ban, everything has been fine. If there's any change to Massachusetts regulations, it should be a change to make it easier-not harder-for us to get the healthy organic raw milk and dairy products we want.”