Bob CollinsA Grand Marais farmer is not being held in contempt of court for refusing to allow state inspectors onto his property.
David Berglund had faced a $500-a-day fine for refusing the inspections. He says the Minnesota Constitution guarantees his right to sell raw milk.
While a judge stayed the fine imposition, he did not rule yet on Berglund’s constitutional claims, according to the Duluth News Tribune.
“From what I hear it is a decision that has national implications and is being watched quite closely by a considerable number of groups on a national basis,” his attorney, Zenas Baer, told the paper. “It’s not only the farmer’s right, it also includes the consumer’s right to be the second half of the transaction. You can’t sell and peddle anything unless you have a willing consumer on the other side of the transaction.”
As part of their support for Berglund, 146 customers signed a document stressing they understand the risks of purchasing unpasturized dairy products, the Cook County Herald reported.
