Stockton (VICFA):  Our members and supporters, both in Virginia and nationally, will be as horrified as I was when I learned that Redmond Salt is behind (this) bill---a bill that creates a sinecure for yourself, makes it nearly impossible for small dairies to open, and bans cow/dairy shares.  You have betrayed the very people who have supported you through the years….

 

Roberts (Redmond Salt):  We have the full and genuine support of the (Utah) department of agriculture—they have been very cooperative.  Also the overwhelming support of the Farm Bureau…we earned the trust and confidence of the top officials at each of these organizations—and of top legislators as well.  There is a feeling of cooperation going forward.

 

Stockton:  You speak glowingly of working with the Farm Bureau and your Ag. Dept. and how happy they are with this bill.  To what end?  In every state we are aware of, Farm Bureau and the State Ag. Depts are the primary forces promoting NAIS and all other programs antithetical to the health of small farms and the communities those farms support.

 

Roberts:  While it makes sense to have cow share options in states where there are no other means of obtaining good raw milk, there isn’t a need here as it is already available.  For a cow share program to develop here just to avoid licensing and regulation would only serve to hurt the cause in the long run.

 

Stockton: You have betrayed the very people who have supported you for years…  Your statement that share dairies are simply “to avoid regulations” misrepresents what they are and why they exist.  (They are) a superb means for people to achieve ownership of raw milk sources and raw milk products.   You have worked carefully with Farm Bureau and the State Ag. Dept to create what is essentially a legally enforceable monopoly for yourself for supplying raw milk in Utah.

 

Roberts:  I am sure you mean well, and I am sorry for your confusion and misunderstanding.  One should check their sources and make sure they have correct information before making accusations and spreading untruths.

 

Stockton:  I am not confused nor did my email to you convey misunderstanding.  I do seek the truth, and write it to the best of my ability.