Vermont Raw Milk Laws & Regulations

Vermont's dairy regulatory framework is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets under 6 V.S.A. §§3011-3013 (Direct Sales of Milk). Farms may sell raw milk directly to consumers at the farm or at farmers markets with a state permit. Permitted producers must maintain animal health testing records (tuberculosis and brucellosis), comply with bacterial count and somatic cell count standards, and label raw milk with required statements including a health advisory. The Agency conducts periodic inspections of licensed operations. Farmers markets are an authorized sales venue under Vermont's framework, which distinguishes it from neighboring states like Massachusetts that restrict sales to the farm only.

Vermont has a vibrant small-farm culture and raw milk is available at farms and farmers markets throughout the state, with concentrations in the Northeast Kingdom, Champlain Valley, and Upper Valley regions. Vermont does not permit retail grocery store sales; consumers must purchase directly from permitted farms or at authorized farmers markets. Vermont's strong agricultural identity and food access traditions have kept the farm-direct pathway politically stable. A small number of Vermont farms participate in the Raw Milk Institute's risk management programs, voluntarily applying testing and management protocols beyond the minimum state requirements.