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Tennessee

We have a disturbing letter from Jenny Drake of Peaceful Pastures, a longtime advertiser in Wise Traditions. On March 7, one USDA and two state Department of Agriculture representatives arrived on her farm unannounced. Their sole intent appeared to be shutting down every operation that they have. Some highlights:

  • Because they sell "people" food for pets, the inspectors claimed the Drakes are not in compliance with labeling laws for pet food and say they will require nutritional analysis and additional labeling for every package of pet food.
  • Although the agency had earlier told them they could sell raw dairy for animal consumption, they now say they cannot. Furthermore, they will be levying a fine for past sales.
  • The USDA, with whom they had consulted regarding their on-farm and legal chicken processing, now questions their legality and compliance.
  • The agents even took a label from soap made on the farm to question its merits. (Soap is regulated by FDA, not USDA.)
  • The inspectors also visited the establishment where the Drakes purchase dry ice and inquired about their business with them.

This is clearly a case of unjustified harassment and the Drakes need your support. They have attorneys on retainer. Contact Jenny at (615) 683-4291, . Help with attorney fees would be very welcome.

 

To date, we have 2 state representatives working to introduce new legislation this session to change the law in TN to allow farmers to sell their own produce directly to the public. We are going to have a "listening session" in November to educate all farmer-friendly legislators on the raw milk issue and farmer's rights issues in general. Jenny Drake of Peaceful Pastures will be there to share her expertise on the issue and a couple of veterinarians who are knowledgeable on the issue and who support raw dairy sales will be there to speak as well. Our legislators plan to invite other representatives to the session, including house members, senators, and committee chairmen, in an effort to gain support for the measure. Hopefully this will get the ball rolling in a big way.

What you can do to help:

If you live in TN, contact the legislators for your district, both house and senate members, and tell them you support the small farmer's right to sell the products of his own farm directly to the public. Let them know that you want to be able to purchase produce, all produce including dairy, poultry, and beef directly from the farmer. You could call or fax them. Believe me, they listen to you. For a listing of your representatives, click www.legislature.state.tn.us. This will take you to the TN General Assembly web site where you can choose Senate or House, and then choose "Members" and then choose the "Clickable Image Map." Once you do that, you can click on your district to see who is your representative. THANKS! We need everyone to do all that they can to get this measure passed.

UPDATE 27 APRIL 03: Shawn Dady is working with legislatures to make raw milk legal in the state. At a recent meeting, the health departemnt brought in an "expert" from the University of Tennessee who described the diseases that could be carried in raw milk. As a fall back position, the committee is now looking into the legality of cow share programs—which are already being set up inTennessee. For further information contact Shawn at (615) 661-7699 or visit www.tennesseansforrawmilk.com.

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