As a consumer, I’d like to understand the exact problem this resolution is trying to solve.  I know of no known relationship between pasteurized milk with SCC 750,000 cells/ml and human health issues.  The proposed reduction provides a safer product to what extent?  If there is a real health concern, this would make sense.  It would be a greater benefit to human health combating disease, infection, etc.  However, I see no correlation.  Are there improved health benefits to lower SCC counts, there is.  But, there are also improved health benefits to drinking less, eating less, and exercising more.  There doesn’t necessarily need to be a required regulation for consumers to take advantage of those benefits.  Also, I understand the rationale behind expanding markets for products produced in Virginia.  Again, availability of new markets to what extent?  If there is research suggesting this will lead to new markets, I would be more inclined to agree.  However this seems to be an unknown. 

Approving this amendment would have unintended consequences on small to medium sized dairy farms.  I realize smaller farms are a low percentage, but approving this amendment would take away further liberties of those struggling due to regulations and larger production farming being able to afford adjusting.