“So the Department does not say you can’t take milk home, or Mr. Lobsinger can’t take milk home and process it in his own kitchen. The statute and enforcement scheme limits their authority there. But he can’t have someone else do it for them. To do that, that person must be licensed.” ~ Danielle Allison-Yokom, attorney for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
By Pete Kennedy
Farming is difficult enough without having to deal with overzealous regulators who take enforcement actions against farmers without any evidence of threat to public health. When this happens, the farm’s customers do not take all the actions within their power to help defend the farmer.
One individual who did go the extra mile for his farmer is Mike Lobsinger, a retired businessman from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. When the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development sought a court order against farmer Joe Golimbieski to stop him from selling nutrient-dense dairy products such as raw cream and raw butter, Lobsinger intervened as a party in the case, which largely contributed to the judge deciding the case in the farmer’s favor.
As the push for “unproven” synthetic foods continues, maintaining strong relationships with local food producers and farmers is critical to staying healthy. Mike Lobsinger’s willingness to stand up for his farmer and freedom of food choice sets an example for us to follow.
For Let’s Go to the Movies, I recommend Nomadland, a 2020 movie by Chloé Zhao portraying the lives of “unsettled” Americans who dared to leave a “safe and organized” life behind for a free and inspired life closer to nature. Featuring Frances McDormand as well as a number of real-life nomads, including Linda May, Swankie, and Bob Wells.
This is the last week of the month, so there is no Money & Markets. The next Money & Markets will publish on February 3, 2022. Post your questions for Catherine at the commentary here, at Subscriber Input, or send them to Ask Catherine.
Related Reading
Michigan Raw Dairy – How One Consumer Made an Impact, August 30, 2017
Michigan: State Control Over Private Property, April 16, 2017
Court Documents
Other Resources
