SOLANCONEWS.com -- Cutler's Commentary

Cutler's Commentary: Protecting the Future of Farming in Pennsylvania
By Bryan Cutler, State Representative, 100th Legislative District
HARRISBURG -- Farming is not only Pennsylvania’s number one industry with hundreds of years of rich tradition, it is a way of life and means of support for thousands of people across the Commonwealth. A main goal of mine is to ensure that farming remains viable and profitable for our farmers. One way we can do that is through creating new market opportunities for our farmers. The niche market of raw milk, which is milk that has not been pasteurized, could be a primary factor in achieving that goal.

Last week, I, along with state Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36) and other members of the state House of Representatives, introduced legislation expanding options for raw milk production in Pennsylvania.

The current law allows a holder of a raw milk permit to sell only raw milk and aged cheese made from raw milk. The new legislation expands the list of raw milk products that farmers would be able to sell.

Specifically, my legislation would require the Department of Agriculture to expand the raw milk permitting process to allow the sale of any dairy product made from raw milk such as butter, soft cheeses, ice cream and yogurt. The legislation would also require the department to issue permits for the sale of raw milk and products made from raw milk to entities, such as cooperatives, registered with the department; those entities would then be responsible for the inspection and testing of their members under guidelines approved by the department, subject to independent verification.

We have been working on the issue of raw milk for more than a year and I believe these bills are a good start to further the debate. While we may not be able to address everyone’s concerns in the first round, I do believe we will make more progress on this issue than in the last 70 years.

I look forward to working with everyone going forward on the issue of raw milk and raw milk products. I hope that we can raise awareness and educate the public while engaging in a respectful debate.

Editor's Note: Cutler's Commentary is a monthly column, written by Rep. Cutler.

Past Articles:
Cutler's Commentary: Preparing Your Child for a Summer of Bicycling
Cutler's Commentary: Beware of Tax Refund Scams
Cutler's Commentary: Primary is Approaching
Cutler's Commentary: In the Pennsylvania Legislature, 2008 Got Started with a Bang!
Cutler's Commentary: New Hunting Laws Enacted This Year
Cutler's Commentary: Are Gun Rights in Danger in the Commonwealth?
Cutler's Commentary: Turkey Hunting With Dogs Has Its Day
Cutler's Commentary: Wishing You an S.O.S. – Summer of Safety!
Cutler's Commentary: A Thank You to Those Who Keep Society Moving
Cutler's Commentary: Hoping to Keep a Deer Friend
Cutler's Commentary: Seeking Citizens' Suggestions
Cutler's Commentary: A Review of My First Month in Office