Agricultural gag-order laws criminalize the recording of farm activities that might be disagreeable to the public and their customers. This shrouds North Carolina’s food production in secrecy and creates space for low standards.
Republican Senator Brent Jackson crafted North Carolina’s Ag-gag law in 2015. Now, he’s pushing to ban raw milk sales in North Carolina with the state’s farm act.
His reason is bird flu, which has waned and remains largely under control. Raw milk risks remain comparable and less frequent than other commonly eaten foods.
The original bill text sought to ban raw milk sales altogether. The latest version only allows herdshares, while banning the currently-legal sale under an animal feed license labeled as “pet food.”
Original bill text
REPEAL THE DISPENSING OF RAW MILK AND RAW MILK PRODUCTS FOR PERSONAL
USE AND CONSUMPTION
Under current law, milk that is not Grade “A” pasteurized milk may only be sold as animal feed, and since 2018, may be dispensed for personal use or consumption to an independent or partial owner of a cow, goat, or other lactating animal.
Section 20 would repeal the provision allowing raw milk to be dispensed for personal use or consumption to the independent or partial owner of a cow, goat, or other lactating animal.
This section would become effective July 1, 2025.
Farm bill text
REPEAL THE DISPENSING OF RAW MILK AND RAW MILK PRODUCTS FOR PERSONAL
USE AND CONSUMPTION
Under current law, milk that is not Grade “A” pasteurized milk may only be sold as animal feed, and since 2018, may be dispensed for personal use or consumption to an independent or partial owner of a cow, goat, or other lactating animal.
Section 20.1 would repeal the provision allowing raw milk to be sold as animal feed.
This section would become effective July 1, 2025.
Public support for raw milk
Jackson received thousands of text messages, phone calls, and emails in favor of raw milk consumption in North Carolina.
“Until we filed this bill, sometimes you don’t know what’s out there,” he said. “But I’ve learned there is a tremendous amount of herd sharing going on in this state.”
Around 100 raw milk supporters were in attendance for the draft’s hearing. The ultimate result was a modification that banned “pet food” sales but left herdshares alone.
