Part of the state government’s general assembly 2018 farm bill would ban the marketing of milk made from plants, including almond, coconut and soy, from being labelled ‘milk’ in North Carolina after January 1. The products could still be sold, they just couldn’t legally be labelled ‘milk’ under the proposed law. That distinction would be reserved for dairy products like milk from animals, including cows and goats. The legislators note that nearly 200 nations do not allow beverages to be labelled ‘milk’ unless they are animal products. And labelling plant-based liquids ‘milk’ is confusing to consumers, they say.
North Carolina legislators have made it clear: “If a drink doesn’t come from an animal with hooves, you can’t call it milk”.
Popular Reads
Formula goes sour
OPINION: Media reports say global recalls tied to cereulide toxin contamination in milk-based nutrition brands could inflict combined financial losses…Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital return
The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exporters
Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.Southland enters status 2 water shortage amid dry conditions
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall…Featured
Super-premium wool contract delivers major boost for New Zealand growers
Keratin biomaterials company Keraplast and Wools of New Zealand have signed a new superpremium wool contract which is said to deliver a boost to wool growers.
NZ Red Meat Outlook 2026: Growth amid trade uncertainty
While things are looking positive for the red meat sector in 2026, volatility in global trade remains a concern, says the Meat Industry Association (MIA).
Massey University hosts conference on innovative catchment-level water solutions
The quest to find innovative practical, scientific solutions to deal with water-related issues at a catchment level has been the theme of an important conference at Massey University last week.
Top Māori farm faces costly rebuild after severe storm damage
One of the country's top Māori farms faces a long and costly rebuild to get the property back to where it was before recent storms ripped through it.
Global Dairy Trade prices surge, boosting New Zealand dairy farmers
The latest Global Dairy Trade auction results have delivered a boost to dairy farmers.
NZ potato growers focus on value creation amid market and climate challenges
New Zealand potato growers are prioritising value creation from high yields to meet a complex mix of challenges and opportunities, says Potatoes NZ chief executive Kate Trufitt.
National
Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital return
The sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.Fonterra expands butter production at Clandeboye with $75m investment
Fonterra is boosting its butter production capacity to meet growing demand.Upper North Island Storms: Limited impact on dairy farms
For the most part, dairy farmers in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and the Manawatu appear to have not…South Island dairy production lifts despite stormy summer, feed risks loom
South Island dairy production is up on last year despite an unusually wet, dull and stormy summer, says DairyNZ lower…Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlook
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in…Machinery & Products
Stihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsaw
Most rural properties wouldn’t be without a chainsaw, so it’s fitting to celebrate the centenary of Andreas Stihl inventing the…New Deutz-Fahr 5105 boosts power for Kiwi livestock farms
With ROPS tractors still being consistently popular in livestock operations, given their ease of use for hopping on and off…John Deere showcases 130hp E-Power electric tractor prototype at Agritechnica
Easily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to…Exceed two-wheeled farm motorcycles enter NZ market
In a market already well supplied with agricultural spec’ two-wheeled motorcycles, a new arrival with an aggressive price point is sure…Merlo Hypercompact Telehandler built for 3500kg towing
Given that most countries who favour the humble ute have maximum braked towing limits of 3500kg, those seeking to use mobile…» Latest Print Issues Online
Milking It
Battle for milk
OPINION: Fonterra may be on the verge of selling its consumer business in New Zealand, but the co-operative is not…
Birth woes
OPINION: What does the birth rate in China have to do with stock trading? Just ask a2 Milk Company.


