[SustainableTompkins] Meadowsweet LLC Needs Support

[Katie Quinn-Jacobs]

*Please take action today to support the Meadowsweet Farm LLC.*

Donning white lab coats and medical caps, three inspectors from NYS Ag 
and Markets quarantined the contents (68 quarts of yogurt) in the 
Meadowsweet Farm <http://www.meadowsweetfarm.com>'s cooler yesterday 
outside Lodi, NY.  Meadowsweet is part of our local foodshed and has 
been and a long time member of the Ithaca Farmers' Market.

Barb Smith, whose family manages the Meadowsweet LLC, allowed the 
inspectors to come on the farm, because they were ostensibly there to do 
an inspection -- instead the inspectors revealed that they had 
pre-existing "orders" from the attorneys at NYS Ag & Market to seize the 
LLC 's product.

Yesterday's action by NYS Ag & Market is the latest in a series of 
harrassment and intimidation techniques employed by the agency against 
the Meadowsweet LLC.  Although nothing has changed at the farm except 
for its operating structure, NYS Ag & Market is wielding its authority 
as a regulatory agency to interrupt the proper functioning of the farm, 
citing disingenuous safety infractions as rationales for their action.  
When I asked why the quarantine was being put imposed yesterday, Will 
Frances (the lead inspector) stated that it was in place for possible 
"adulterated product" and "misbranding," but Frances went on to say that 
the attorneys would resolve the situation.  All three inspectors told 
the LLC members who were present during the seizure that they were "just 
doing their jobs."

At issue is the innovative raw milk herdshare that the Smiths 
transitioned their farm to last spring.  Under the new herdshare, 
members buy shares of the herd by purchasing equity rather than buying 
product.  Meadowsweet has made raw milk, yogurt, buttermilk and butter 
under a permit issued by the state for years. Now that the farm is no 
longer operating under that permit, the Smiths have challenged the NYS 
Ag & Market's authority to inspect the farm; the agency has yet to 
produce legal evidence for its continued oversight of the farm.  In 
addition to the inspections, NYS Ag & Market also wants to restrict the 
dispersal of the LCC's products. For months the Smith have delivered raw 
milk products to LLC members off the farm, rather than having members 
drive to the farm to pick up their share.
 
Being able to deliver products to members at the Ithaca Farmers' Market 
and local CSAs, has been a boon for the herdshare. Currently there are 
over a hundred members in the LLC and there is a waiting list of 30 
households.  Delivering off the farm is also is a greener alternative, 
since it saves each member from driving to the farm's location a half 
hour from downtown Ithaca.

The Meadowsweet Farm LLC is looking for letters of support (a model 
letter is a the end of this message) to be sent to legislators and NYS 
commissioners (see list below).  Please check  out the farm's website: 
Meadowsweet Farm.com <http://www.meadowsweetfarm.com>for additional 
information. Or contact*: **Steve and Barbara Smith, 2054 Smith Rd, 
Lodi, NY 14860, 582-6954.*

Also, Barbara Lifton (NYS Assembly) will be having a town hall meeting 
tonight (Friday) Oct 12 Ithaca Town Hall, 7-9, Tioga and Buffalo.  
Lifton is on the Ag committee.

Best to all,

Katie Quinn-Jacobs

Please call or send the email below, or your own, to the following people.

Michael Nozzolio 1-888-568-9816
119 Fall St.
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
email at : senatornozzolio.com

Barbara Lifton 607-277-8030; 518-455-5444 (Albany)
106 E. Court St
Ithaca, NY 14850
email: liftonb at assembly.state.ny.us

Gary D. Finch 315-255-3045; 518-455-5878 (Albany)
69 South St
Auburn, NY 13021
email: finchg at assembly.state.ny.us

Brian Kolb 315-781-2030; 518-455-5772 (Albany)
607 West Washington St., Suite 2
Geneva, NY 14456
email: kolbb at assembly.state.ny.us

Patrick Hooker, Commissioner of Ag & Markets
10B Airline Drive
Albany, NY 12235
518-457-8876
<patrick.hooker at agmkt.state.ny.us>

Jerry Cosgrove, Deputy Commissioner of Ag & Mkts
10B Airline Drive
Albany, NY 12235
518-457-3136
<jerry.cosgrove at agmkt.state.ny.us>

Eliot Spitzer, Governor of New York
email through www.ny.gov/governor

_*Model Letter:*_

I am writing as one of your constituents and as a member of a raw milk 
cooperative <add if this applies>, Meadowsweet Dairy, LLC, that is under 
attack by the Department of Ag and Markets.

It is a fundamental human right to choose what foods we eat and the 
state has no right to make it difficult for me to get what I believe is 
good for me and my family.

 I am also concerned that the trade of a small farmer is being unduly 
restricted. Steve and Barbara Smith are being told they can distribute 
their products only from the farm (30 miles from town)  but not in town 
where most of the members live. This is a clear attempt to restrict the 
business of a small farmer and should have all farm advocates up in arms!

<add if this applies> As a part owner of this LLC I am angry that a/my 
source of excellent quality raw milk is in jeopardy. Being able to get 
this milk has meant so much to my family and we have been thoroughly 
satisfied. <add any health issues here if desired>

I would appreciate any support you can lend us in this matter. We must 
stand together to support small farms and rural sustainability and our 
right to choose our own food.

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