Georgia Raw Milk Laws have undergone a historic shift, moving the Peach State from a restrictive “animal feed only” market to a state with a regulated pathway for human consumption. For years, enthusiasts had to rely on labels meant for pets to access fresh, unprocessed dairy. However, with the full implementation of the Georgia Raw Dairy Act, consumers now have a transparent, legal way to source high-quality milk directly from local farms.
Whether you are seeking the creamy richness of Jersey milk or the high-volume output of a Holstein herd, understanding the current Georgia Raw Milk Laws is essential. The state currently operates under a dual-pathway system that separates milk intended for the table from milk intended for the kennel. This guide breaks down exactly how to find legal raw dairy, the importance of A2/A2 testing, and what safety standards you should expect from a Georgia producer.
Legal Pathways Under Georgia Raw Milk Laws
Georgia provides two distinct legal avenues for producers to distribute raw dairy. Knowing the difference ensures you stay within the law and understand the level of oversight for the product you are purchasing.
1. Direct-to-Consumer (Human Consumption)
The most significant change in recent years is the creation of a “Grade A Raw” permit. This allows farmers to sell milk specifically intended for humans.
- The Permit: Producers must be permitted by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) specifically for raw milk for human consumption. You can verify permit details on the GDA website.
- The Sales Method: Sales must be direct-to-consumer. This means you can buy it at the farm gate or through a direct delivery arrangement where the transaction is handled by the farmer. You will not find “Human Grade” raw milk in a standard grocery store aisle.
- What this means for you: You can legally purchase and consume raw milk in Georgia, provided you buy it directly from a permitted farm.
2. Pet Food Designation (Commercial Feed)
The “pet milk” pathway remains a popular way to access raw dairy in more traditional retail settings.
- The License: These producers hold a Commercial Feed License.
- Retail Access: Because it is classified as animal feed, this milk is often found in boutique pet stores, health food shops, and specialty retailers.
- What this means for you: If you see a bottle of raw milk in a store cooler in Georgia, it must be labeled “Not for Human Consumption.” While many choose this for personal use, the law treats it as an animal product.
3. The Status of Herd Shares
While herd shares were once a common workaround, the Georgia Raw Dairy Act has largely superseded them. Because there is now a direct permit for sales, the state does not recognize herd shares as a legal alternative to avoiding the permitting process for human consumption.
The Official Word: Georgia Statutes
To ensure you are navigating the landscape accurately, we look to the specific language of the Georgia Raw Milk Laws found in the state code.
Official Word Box: GA Code § 26-2-451 “Raw milk for human consumption which is in compliance with this article and in compliance with the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this article may be sold, offered for sale, or delivered by the producer directly to the consuming public for the purpose of human consumption. No raw milk may be sold, offered for sale, or delivered for the purpose of human consumption for wholesale purposes…” — Source:Georgia General Assembly § 26-2-451
Furthermore, GA Code § 26-2-454 establishes that it is unlawful for any person to offer raw milk for human consumption without the proper departmental permit.
Safety Standards and Quality Indicators
Under the Georgia Raw Milk Laws, safety is a primary focus of the regulatory framework. Producers selling for human consumption are held to “Grade A” standards, ensuring the milk is lab tested for safety.
Mandatory Testing and Requirements
- Pathogen Testing: Milk is regularly sampled for bacteria counts. Human-grade milk must not exceed 20,000 bacteria per mL and coliform counts must not exceed 10 per mL.
- Animal Health: Every animal in a “Human Consumption” herd must be tested annually for Tuberculosis and Brucellosis (GA Code § 26-2-460).
- Somatic Cell Count (SCC): For cows, the limit is 500,000 per mL; for Goat milk, the limit is 1,000,000 per mL.
Quality Indicators for Georgia Consumers
Beyond the baseline of the law, look for these “Gold Standard” indicators:
- A2/A2 Testing: Many Georgia farms test their herds to ensure the milk contains only the A2 beta-casein protein, which is often preferred for digestibility.
- Pasture-Raised Focus: Georgia’s long growing season is perfect for grass-based dairying. High-quality milk comes from cows grazing on diverse, chemical-free forages.
- RAWMI Listing: A listing with the Raw Milk Institute indicates a farmer’s commitment to a rigorous Risk Assessment and Management Plan (RAMP).
Findingrawmilk.com Quality Checklist
Before you head out to a Georgia farm, use this checklist to verify your source:
- [ ] Verify the Permit: Does the farmer hold a GDA permit for human consumption?
- [ ] Breed & Profile: Are they milking Jersey, Holstein, or Sheep? Is the milk A2/A2?
- [ ] Cleanliness: Is the milking area clean, dry, and free of flies?
- [ ] Rapid Cooling: Is the milk chilled immediately to below 40°F (4.4°C)?
- [ ] Transparency: Is the farmer willing to show you their latest lab tested results?
By following the Georgia Raw Milk Laws and doing your own due diligence, you can enjoy the many benefits of fresh, local dairy while supporting the farmers who make food freedom possible.
Find Raw Milk in Georgia