The Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) announced on March 25, 2013, that the National Farmers Union (NFU) has adopted new pro-raw milk policies at its 111th annual convention, held on March 2 to 5 in Springfield, Mass. The conference theme, “Making Waves in Agriculture,” reflected the new, progressive stance on raw milk.

The new policies were proposed by Mark McAfee, founder and CEO of Organic Pastures Dairy in California, on behalf of the delegates from California, and supported by delegates from Pennsylvania and the Northeastern states. Conference participants called for access to raw milk for all citizens and responsible production standards for raw milk producers. The new policies stipulate single source production for raw milk to assure that consumers know the source of the raw milk they purchase.

“Raw milk consumption is growing at a rate of 25 percent per year,” said McAfee, “while conventional milk sales are falling relentlessly. Farmers want to meet the consumer demand and the new NFU policy will help them achieve the right to sell raw milk directly to consumers.” McAfee’s Organic Pastures Dairy is the largest producer of raw milk in the U.S.

During their deliberations, convention delegates heard the science regarding unprocessed (raw) milk, university studies, consumer reports and testimonials; they discussed the success of the emerging raw milk market and the health benefits of unprocessed dairy products. Delegates from across the U.S. voted on these policies, giving the green light for raw milk to take a place at the national table of farmer policies.