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Minutes for SB346 - Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources
Short Title
Allowing for the on-farm retail sale of milk and milk products, authorizing the secretary of agriculture to declare an imminent health hazard, extending certain milk and dairy license fees and establishing certain standards for milk.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 20, 2022
Chairperson Kerschen opened the hearing on SB346.
Tamera Lawrence with the Revisor of Statutes Office presented a memorandum which gave an overview of the bill. She explained that the bill basically amended several statutes relating to milk and dairy products. (Attachment 1)
Ken Titus testified in support of the bill. He believes that it provides needed updates to the Dairy Law by allowing the sale of raw milk in an unrestricted manner, ensuring that the Kansas Department of Agriculture can adequately conduct important inspections for the protection of public health, and providing the opportunity for lower fees for all processors in the future.(Attachment 2).
Aaron Popelka spoke in favor of the bill. He believes that labels on raw milk are important and consumers need to know that unpasteurized milk can carry dangerous organisms which can pose serious health risks. (Attachment3)
John Donely testified as a proponent for the bill. He stated that one of the main reason he supports the bill is it extends the sunset on fees. (Attachment4)
Sam MacRoberts spoke against the bill. He does not believe that it is necessary for the label on raw milk to inform consumers that the milk may contain bacteria that may cause food-borne illnesses.(Attachment 5)
Mary Powell testified against the bill. She said that raw milk consumers choose to consume it because they understand the health benefits and are aware of the possible risks of consuming raw milk and its products.A label stating the milk may contain bacteria that may be dangerous is unnecessary(Attachment 6)
Loyd Borntrager spoke in opposition to the bill. He told the committee that he opposes labeling of raw dairy products that state the product could contain bacteria that may cause food borne illnesses. It is not necessary to have this warning, just as it is not necessary to have a warning on pasteurized milk stating that it can cause allergic reactions, lactose intolerance, and dairy sensitivities. (Attachment 7)
Written opponent testimony was provided by:
Arlene Borntrager - Borntrager Dairy Farm-Hutchinson(Attachment 8)
Alexia Kulwiec- Farm to Consumer Defense Fund(Attachment 9)
Georganna Cushing- Kansas citizen(Attachment 10)
Janet Thoof- Kansas citizen(Attachment11)
Ronald Smith-raw milk consumer(Attachment 12)
Robyn King- Jako Farm- Hutchinson(Attachment 13)
After several committee members asked a few questions of the conferees, Chairperson Kerschen closed the hearing on SB346.
With no further business before the committee, Chairperson Kerschen adjourned the meeting at 9:20.
