bigstockphoto_Lemon_835985.jpgAs I read Mark McAfee’s comment on my most recent posting, I was reminded of Sylvia’s note earlier this week that her co-op was out of both Organic Pastures and Cloverdale Farm raw milk, and that there were limitations on sales in any event.

 

A run on raw milk in anticipation of a possible decrease in availability come January 1? Maybe, but even allowing for freezing, there is only so much raw milk that individuals can store. No, my guess is that there is something to Mark’s observation following my posting yesterday:

 

“Everyone is getting an education on the subject. By the end of this, many of the assembly and legislature will be drinking raw milk…guaranteed!!”

 

Each time the authorities crack down on raw milk, whether in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or New York, they wind up shooting themselves in the foot, because inevitably the crackdowns serves as free advertising for raw milk. But because California is the largest raw milk market, and tends to lead the nation in political and cultural trends, the current push over coliforms in milk stands out.

 

In fact, Mark ought to consider classifying his lobbyist and lawyer fees as marketing/promotion expenses. Admittedly, not the most predictable marketing/promotion expenses around. But in terms of cost-per-thousand consumers reached, Mark has to be getting a great bargain.

 

Seriously, though, if Californians are successful in reversing AB1735, we could well be seeing the beginnings of a serious consumer movement against government infringement of our nutritional rights. Within such a movement, the most important effect could be broad education of consumers about not only the threats to our food, but the opportunities for change. 

 

The war is far from over, but it would sure be neat if the AB1735 battle turned out to be a turning point.