A Great Day for the Local Food Movement.

Today is a great day for the local food movement.

Durham farmer Michael Schmidt was acquitted today on all charges related to his cow-share program. Members can now legally continue to obtain and consume raw milk through cow-share programs as they are technically "owners", not purchasers, of raw milk.

The fact that such a distinction is even necessary is itself foolish, but it does demonstrate that those who believe in the freedom to choose healthier food options, will not be bullied into conforming to the industrial food system's dictates.

Michael deserves a huge congratulations for standing strong through this difficult time. Whenever I spoke with him over the 2 years, it was clear that the stress of the situation was weighing heavy on him, but he never gave up; and in persevering he has encouraged others who would bring reform to an increasingly dysfunctional food system.

Whether it's the fight for free-range turkey, the push for local food processing free from regulatory over-burden, or the right to consume whole milk, Michael has moved the bar forward.

In an upside down global system where multinational corporations can poison pets and people without so much as a slap on the hand, Michael has helped set things right by pointing out the injustice and ignorance of those institutions that support such a system.

Thanks you Michael. We owe you a debt of gratitude.

PS. Due notice to anyone out there who still thinks raw milk is some kind of dangerous substance akin to nuclear waste; if you put such nonsense comments here I will sic my mother - a Certified Nutritional Councilor - on you to explain basic things like enzymes, and the fact that we now live in world with food safety testing and refrigerators.