They drank raw milk at the FDA headquarters!
If you saw our post about this rally (which took place November 1st), you know how important we thought it was. Mothers, dubbed “Freedom Riders” crossed the state line, bought raw milk, transported it to FDA headquarters in Silver Spring, MD and then drank it and fed it to their children.
Liz Reitzig and Karine Bouis-Towe, two of the 4 founders of the Farm Food Freedom Coalition organized this event. Speakers came from all around the US and Canada. It takes courage to fight for your beliefs and the folks at this rally were fighting on the front line. Our message to them is THANK YOU!
The best description of this demonstration can be found at David Gumpert’s blog, “The Complete Patient.” Apparently, there was an important gain made as a result of it – The FDA announced that it will no longer enforce the Interstate Commerce Act against individuals carrying raw milk across state lines. That is a real breakthrough and although it doesn’t help the buying clubs, it’s a major step in the right direction. (Applause here for everyone involved.)
Angie Seckinger, a photographer from Potomac, MD took pictures of the event and shared them with us. The ones below are just a selection – you can see more at her website – angieseckinger.com.
Jean Nordin-Evans from Massachusetts |
Liz Reitzig of the Farm Food Freedom Coalition. |
Liz Reitzig and Mark McAfee of Organic Pastures |
Mark McAfee with microphone. |
Liz Reitzig and Karine Bouis-Towe, organizers of the event |
David Gumpert, author of Raw Milk Revolution and Sally Fallon Morell, President of the Weston A. Price Foundation |
Tara Holste |
Mark McAfee holding Liz’s daughter, Emily. Max Kane, at right, is a film maker and raw milk activist who will soon be releasing his new documentary, “Milk Men.” |
At left, John Stolztfus, farmer and raw milk activist with Mark McAfee and Max Kane |
Denise Dixon of Morningland Dairy in Missouri which has been shut down by the FDA since August, 2010. |
Sally Fallon Morell with Maureen Diaz (center) and Bernadette Barber |
Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm just released his new book, “Folks, This Ain’t Normal.” |
Max Kane, David Hirsh and Pete Kennedy of the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund |
Pete Kennedy |
Mark McAfee and John Moody |
Avishek Saha |
David Hirsh and John Stoltzfus |
Charlotte Barber from Virginia |
David Hirsh |
To see more photos by Angie Seckinger – http://www.angieseckinger.com
To see photos by Ellie Kaufman – http://www.flickr.com/photos/69371978@N04/
Simona says
Thanks for the update and the photos! I am hopeful things will change, slowly but surely.