Ottawa-area farmer fights order to stop selling, distributing raw milk
An eastern Ontario farmer is hoping to persuade the province to back down on its long-held stance against the sale and distribution of raw milk as he fights an order to stop selling the product.
Michael Ilgert said he feels it’s important to argue his own case despite the fact that the sale and distribution of raw milk remains illegal in Canada.
“People are begging me for milk, and I’m not even allowed to give it to them or sell it to them,” Ilgert said in an interview before a Tuesday hearing to appeal the cease and desist order he was issued. “I’m trying to make some changes here. Some positive changes. The government should listen to their own people.”
Ilgert said he began offering raw milk in 2010 through a cow-share program, which sees customers collectively pay for the ownership of grass-fed cows that are housed and milked on his property.