Farmers in Scotland want to be able to make and sell raw milk cheese but the government and its current edicts surrounding that activity want to prevent them from doing so. The new guidance that they are fighting is one that critics argue is seeking to legislate raw milk cheese production out of existence in the country. At present, sales of raw milk and cream etc are completely banned in Scotland and have been for many years, but you can find some raw cheese products.

Farmers in Canada, the United States, and elsewhere, have all had to endure the same battle, if they've been interested in producing raw milk products. Even if you want to drink milk that is coming from your own cow, lawmakers still want to get in the way and tell you how to live your life.

Now, the operators of at least 5 different Scottish companies are fighting back in court to see if they can change things.

And they've recently been able to raise the legal funds in order to do it. They want to formally challenge the current legislation surrounding the making of cheese from any raw, unpasteurized milk. They are tackling the new guidance that has been issued, and they were successful in raising the funds after seeking to raise the money through crowdfunding. They've already raised thousands of dollars from hundreds of people who have been willing to help.

The 5 companies are Errington Cheese, Finlay's Farm, Farmhouse Cheese, Cambus O May, Galloway Farmhouse, and Isle of Mull Cheese.

These companies will be seeking to challenge the current lawfulness of the government guidance on producing cheese from any unpasteurized or raw milk, and that guidance comes from the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee (SFELC), the guidance is used for inspections and enforcement of the rules.

There has reportedly been a growing lack of trust with the decision making authorities over the matter and that's what has finally persuaded these various companies to collectively take action now.

Cheese producers from the region have suggested a number of changes to be made to the guidance and those in charge of enforcement etc have reportedly agreed that some of those changes might soon be possible.

Not everyone is convinced of what they're being told though. A representative from one cheese producer, Errington Cheese, has already taken to their website to assert that they have zero confidence that the governing bodies have accepted or learned anything new over the past several years, while claiming to be seeking input from the industry regarding raw milk cheese. They fear that the government might still be committed to eradicating the industry.

Those behind the new legal fight against the recently released guidance are arguing that the rules don't reflect current EU industry guidance surrounding the production of raw milk cheese. They fear that the rules are going to make raw milk cheese production unviable in the region. They've been allegedly attempting to work with the government to have those rules changed so that they align with EU rules on cheese-making and enforcement, but say they can't wait any longer for the governing bodies to make the required changes.

Despite the many warnings that have been issued about the dangers of drinking raw milk or consuming raw milk products etc, many people are still eager to incorporate these goods into their diet. The demand is so strong that those in Scotland for example, who want raw milk have been left having to order it from hundreds of miles away. To try and keep up with the demand, a number of farms in the UK and elsewhere have even installed their own raw milk vending machines so that people can walk up and get what they need, when they need it.

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