It is my right, as an informed consumer, to be able to choose the foods I eat—a right that should justly extend to all food including raw milk. I understand there are risks associated with consuming raw foods such as unpasteurized milk. I also know it is the belief of many that milk—when safely collected from healthy, naturally raised dairy animals—is most nutritious and promotes health when consumed unpasteurized and for these people the benefits outweigh the risks. For people that don't share this belief, they have plenty of pasteurized options. I only ask that the people of Indiana be afforded a raw choice as well.

At the very minimum, the sale of raw milk should be allowed through direct farm-to-consumer channels such as direct on-farm sales, farm co-ops, and herd-shares. These direct farm-to-consumer channels give the greatest transparency between producer and consumer and would guarantee that consumers are informed and responsible. Further legislation legalizing the sale of raw milk through other means may be considered, but any new laws must not impose overly burdensome regulations that would create financial barriers to small and medium-sized farms.

As the duly elected representatives of the people of the State of Indiana, I request that you fulfill your solemn duty by defending and upholding our freedom to make this choice.