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Michael Schmidt, the Ontario farmer and raw-milk activist, has been fighting for the right to produce and distribute unpasteurized milk, which many experts warn is potentially hazardous to consume. Here's a look at some key moments in the legal saga (so far). 1994: Schmidt’s farm is raided two days before the planned airing of a CBC a documentary about his raw milk operation. He is later charged with selling and distributing raw milk, and goes on trial in May. Schmidt is found guilty in August and slapped with two years’ probation and a $3,500 fine. 2006: After continuing to produce raw milk following his conviction, Schmidt’s farm is raided again on November 21. Armed Ministry of Natural Resources officers — reports vary that between 20 and 25 officers were present — converge on the farm and confiscate milk, equipment, computers and files. Schmidt responds by beginning a month-long hunger strike. Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch’s private members bill to “immediately form an all-party task force to examine the issues surrounding raw milk and...report its findings to the House before the end of the spring session” is defeated on December 7. 2008: Clayton Ruby is retained to represent Schmidt at his trial, which is initially scheduled to begin on May 23 in Newmarket. Ruby is dropped due to lack of funds before the trial begins. Raw milk production continues at the farm, and Schmidt is found in contempt of court on October 20 for refusing to stop distribution. Schmidt appears at a pretrial hearing on December 22. 2009: Schmidt’s trial begins on January 22, and the farmer testifies on January 28. He represents himself. Final arguments in the Charter component of the court proceedings are heard in July. A date for the verdict is set in August. 2010: Justice of the Peace Paul Kowarsky finds Schmidt not guilty of violating Ontario milk marketing or public health laws. A Toronto Star editorial calls for the Crown to appeal, saying “The raw milk issue is too important to leave with a lower court.” Research sources: CBC Documentaries, The Bovine, Campaign for Real Milk Photo by Kristen Taylor
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