Cheese Society versus DFO

Monday, October 4, 2010

Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) has announced its withdrawal from the Ontario Cheese Society (OCS), citing its "endorsement of raw milk advocate Michael Schmidt."

In DFO's monthly newsletter, Pipeline, its marketing logistics director, Dave Nolan, is quoted as saying: "It's unconscionable that the OCS continues to endorse, and even promote, the consumption of raw milk by consumers."

But secretary-treasurer Don Pendlebury says the six-year-old society was not endorsing raw milk sales and  its members believe in producing a safe product. He says the society "is a voice" for artisan cheese makers "for people to share ideas" and Schmidt is a member.

"We give people access to share ideas or bring an opposing view to the table to create conversation. He was allowed to issue an article for the newsletter.

"DFO had an opportunity to counteract. Instead, they withdrew."

Having DFO at the society table "brought some credibility to us." When DFO withdrew "it was a bit of a  disappointment. We feel this is something we can work through," Pendlebury says.

The DFO newsletter quotes Ray Krompart, DFO's marketing director, who resigned recently as a CSO director, as saying: "The fact that an individual is a member of an organization should not permit that individual to actively promote illegal activities."

The newsletter notes that the province is appealing a lower court ruling acquitting Schmidt on 19 charges relating to processing sale and distribution of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. BF