Vernon Hershberger's Family Farm, Grazin Acres in Loganville, Wisconsin

The Raw Milk Freedom Riders and the Farm Food Coalition are sponsoring a two-day event today and tomorrow, March 1 & 2, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, in support of Vernon Hershberger, organic dairy farmer.  At the urging of the FDA, the Wisconsin Department of Agricultureal Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has charged Hershberger with operating a retail food establishment without a license, among other charges.  He has denied the charges, citing that he provides foods only to paid members in a private buying club and is not does not sell food to the general public in a retail establishment.  Hershberger says, “There is more at stake here than just a farmer and his few customers, this is about the fundamental right of farmers and consumers to engage in peaceful, private, mutually consenting agreements for food, without additional oversight.”  When the DATCP tried to stop him from selling his food, he took down their tape and continued providing the food, saying, “Fully 50% of our club members desperately need this food.”  He didn’t feel right about denying them the food necessary to their health.

Hershberger’s next hearing is scheduled for 1:00 pm tomorrow, March 2, when there will be a Food Freedom Rally rally outside the Sauk County Courthouse in Baraboo.  Today, March 1, there will be Rights Workshop from 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm.  The workshop includes a dinner of farm fresh food.  Presenters at the workshop include Liz Reitzig, Max Kane, Mel Olsen, David Gumpert, John, Moody, and Michael Schmidt.

Please join us in supporting the Hershberger family with your donations. The money goes directly to the family for charitable relief and helps to defray any legal expenses, as Vernon sets out to defend your American right to private contracts.  The Pledgie donation link is in the right sidebar.
[Note: Pledgie.com will take 3% of all proceeds for administrative costs.]

Update 3/2/12:  The judge declined to revoke the bond of Vernon Hershberger, saying that the state must file a formal motion before he could rule.  The trial is tentatvely set for September 25.

Here’s more information about Vernon Hersberger and the DATCP actions against him:

Are the U.S. and Canada the First “Free” Nations to Deprive Citizens of Basic Foods? Gathering March 2  to Declare “Independence”; CA Herdshare Owners React to Losing Milk

Brave Dairy Farmer Takes a Stand for Personal Liberty and Private Contracts

Interview with Vernon Herschberger, Wisconsin raw milk farmer and food rights champion [update: added link]

Raw Milk Freedom Riders

Two Day Event in Support of Vernon Hershberger

Photo of Grazin Acres Farm is courtesy of Hartkeisonline.com.