FTCLDF Member Grassway Organics files for a Temporary Restraining Order (“TRO”) against the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (“DATCP”).
FTCLDF Member Grassway Organics had been working with the Wisconsin DATCP for at least six years on a model to allow bona fide members of a dairy cooperative the ability to receive distribution of raw milk based on their status as bona fide members.
Not only has DATCP gone back on its agreement to the structure created by Grassway Organics, it is now attempting to enforce internal agency orders without the benefit of due process.
On March 18, 2026, DATCP issued a “Special Order” against Grassway Organic, demanding certain changes in its business practices. Grassway Organics filed a timely Notice of Hearing to have the matter decided by an Administrative Law Judge.
On April 21, 2026, DATCP issued an order suspending Grassway Organic’s milk license, and Grassway Organics again filed a Notice for Hearing on the matter.
The matter is now scheduled for a hearing in May 2027.
Despite the scheduling of a hearing on the merits of the allegations against Grassway Organics, DATCP continues to seek enforcement action against Grassway Organics. This means that although there is a hearing scheduled before an administrative law judge, DATCP expects Grassway Organics to cease doing any business or pay excessive fines.
Grassway Organics is following the procedure set forth in Wisconsin Statutes, yet DATCP continues to attempt to enforce its internal findings before there has been a hearing on the merits.
To stop such action, on September 28, 2026, Grassway Organics has filed a lawsuit against DATCP, and a Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order to stop DATCP from engaging in enforcement against the farm without due process.
FTCLDF is supporting its member, Grassway Organics and has been behind the farm every step of the way. Since the matter is now in court, Grassway Organics seeks financial assistance to help defray legal costs. To donate towards such efforts, please make a donation to Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund, with a note that the donation is for legal defense of Grassway Organics. https://www.farmtoconsumer.org/donate/
If as a donor, you require donations to an IRS designated § 501 (c) (3) organization, please consider donating to Food Of Choice, Inc., also referencing Grassway Organics as the purpose of your donation. https://www.foodofchoice.org/donate
Both organizations have committed that 100% of any donation referencing the Grassway Organics’ legal defense will be spent directly on the legal expenses of Grassway Organics.
We encourage FTCLDF and Food of Choice members and readers to support the legal effort against the lawful operation in Wisconsin, permitting raw milk distribution solely to bona fide owners of the dairy cooperative.