Yes, raw milk is legal in Vermont under strict state oversight. Vermont permits raw milk sales directly from farms to consumers under the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) regulatory framework, but prohibits retail distribution. The state’s 2026 compliance updates require farms to renew permits annually and undergo mandatory pathogen testing every 30 days.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Vermont
- Direct-to-Consumer Only: Sales must occur on-farm or at farm-approved delivery points; retail distribution is banned under 6 V.S.A. § 2711.
- Permit Mandate: Farms must obtain a VAAFM-issued raw milk permit, renewed annually with a $100 fee and inspection compliance.
- Testing & Labeling: Monthly testing for E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria is required; labels must include “raw milk” warnings and farm contact details per VAAFM Directive 2024-05.
Violations trigger immediate permit suspension and potential civil penalties under Vermont’s dairy safety protocols. The VAAFM’s 2026 enforcement priorities emphasize traceability systems for outbreak response. Out-of-state raw milk imports remain illegal under Vermont’s public health statutes.