TAKE ACTION:
Protect the right to know how our food is produced!
Should consumers be kept in the dark about how their milk is produced?
Regulations about to take effect in Ohio will make it against the law for milk labels to tell you the whole story. They don't want you to know whether artificial bovine growth hormone (rBGH) was part of the production process or not.
The labeling rule mandates that dairy producers who don't inject their cows with rBGH include a potentially misleading disclaimer on their label stating there are no significant differences between milk from cows rBGH-treated and cows that are rBGH-free. The "no differences" statement is based on an 18-year-old FDA review of rBGH; however, subsequent scientific studies and even FDA's own publications have shown that there are significant differences for the health of the cows, and some differences which may affect human health. (learn more)
The USDA Organic Rule requires that organic dairy products be produced without artificial hormones, so Ohio's ruling prohibits labels that communicate production practices required by federal organic law. The ruling goes against consumers' interest in knowing how their food is produced, and farmers' rights to accurately communicate to consumers.
Since Kansas Governor Sebelius vetoed a similar bill last month, Ohio stands alone as the only state to promote these restrictions on free speech. However, if Ohio's bill stands it has the potential to affect your ability to get informative labels nationwide. Many producers will remove all their rBGH-free labeling rather than incur the cost of designing separate Ohio packaging. Moreover, if the gag rule stands in Ohio, it gives pro-rBGH interests a foothold to persuade other states to follow suit.
Take Action
If you believe consumers have the right to be informed, please take a moment to contact Governor Strickland. Urge him to rescind Ohio’s Executive Order 2008-03S before it takes effect or, at a minimum, to exempt organic dairy products from the regulation. Tell him to protect your right as a consumer to know how your milk is produced!
CALL Governor Strickland: (614) 466-3555
Phone calls from concerned citizens have the most impact.
If you prefer to write:
Governor's Office
Riffe Center, 30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-6108
Phone: (614) 466-3555
Fax: (614) 466-9354
Spread the Word
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper (contact info). You can use our talking points to get started.
Thank you!
After you make contact, please let us know what you did! Thanks for all your support for family farmers, informed consumer choices, and a sustainable future for all.
Sincerely,
The Farmers and Staff of Organic Valley Family of Farms
