Maine’s dairy farmers are divided over a potential vote this week on a statewide proposal that could change restrictions on raw milk sales.

State Representative William Noon is proposing the bill, which would exempt some dairy farms from licensing requirements needed to sell raw milk direct to consumers. It would only apply to farmers who sell to consumers at their farm, and would require the producers to take a sanitation course. Noon says the bill is likely to come up for a vote in the state House of Representatives this week.

The bill has some support among small-time farmers. Many larger farmers oppose the idea because of safety concerns.

A different lawmaker submitted another, broader raw milk bill based on New Hampshire’s law. That proposal died in committee last month.

Source: WCSH6