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ACTION PAGE:
Support HB3 to Allow Cow Shares (Consumer-Owned Livestock) in Maryland
MD-cowshares-HB3-169x300

Delegates James Hubbard (D-23A) and Nic Kipke (R-31) have introduced a bill, House Bill 3, to recognize the right of consumers to obtain raw milk and raw milk products from dairy livestock they own as part of a contract with milk producers, an arrangement commonly referred to as a cow-share or herdshare agreement.

Sign this EMAIL petition:
I urge you to vote YES on HB3 to allow access to raw milk through consumer-owned livestock boarding contracts.

Add your own comments and follow up with phone calls to members of the Maryland House Committee on Health and Government Operations.

BACKGROUND:
In April of 2006, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (MDHMH) redefined a "cow share" as a "sale" of raw milk specifically to make cow shares illegal. Until then, cow shares were a viable means for Maryland consumers to obtain raw milk from Maryland farmers. Activists have been working for years to gain their full rights to purchase raw milk from the producer of their choice. Reinstating the right to contract with farmers in a cow share is a great first step. With this law in place, Maryland residents will once again have the choice to support Maryland farmers by engaging with them for their raw milk needs.

TALKING POINTS:
1. Maryland Dairy farmers have lost millions of dollars to Pennsylvania raw milk producers.
2. The Maryland dairy industry needs to develop more options for farmers to generate an income. Maryland has lost hundreds of dairy farms over the past 20 years. Small family farms need more forms of income to remain viable.
3. Consumers have access to raw milk in 35-40 states; Maryland is behind the curve.
4. The consumption of raw milk is legal in Maryland. Why do consumers need to cross state lines to exercise a right they have?
5. Access to raw milk can provide other income opportunities for Maryland farmers and small farm prosperity.
6. Raw milk has a good overall track record for safety.
7. Rural economies have been declining over the past few decades. This is a way to strengthen rural economies once again and see them prosper.

Type your own personal message on the subject: All comments should be appropriately respectful and in acceptable taste. If one of your recipients is also a newspaper there is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of about 250 words. Your signature will be added automatically. Submission of this form constitutes authorization to publish your letter in your local newspaper if that option is selected.

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Submit the email addresses of friends to invite to write as well. The way to have maximum impact is by sending speak out invitations to as many of your fellow constituents as possible and encourage them to make their voices heard also.


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The one click form below will send your personal message to all your government representatives selected to the left below, with the subject "Support the MD Cow Share Bill and Vote YES on HB3." At the same time you can send your personal comments only as a letter to the editor of your nearest local daily newspaper if you like.
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