Michael Schmidt walks into the Ontario Court of Justice in Newmarket, Ontario, Wednesday, June 4, 2008. Schmidt was found in contempt of court Monday, October 20, 2008.
Trial expected to conclude for farmer accused of selling raw milk
September 12, 2008
NEWMARKET, Ont. – An organic dairy farmer defending himself in an Ontario court against charges he sold raw milk feels so strongly there is no case against him, he is forgoing calling any witnesses.
Michael Schmidt, who runs a farm south of Owen Sound, told court this morning he has instead signed an agreed statement of facts with the prosecution.
Schmidt is accused of selling and distributing unpasteurized milk, which is illegal in Canada because health officials consider it unsafe.
With the onus on York Region lawyers to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the farmer has continued illegal activity, Schmidt dismissed his three scheduled witnesses.
"They have no hard evidence that suggests there was raw milk distributed," Schmidt said.
"There was no reason for us to dispute any evidence (the prosecutors) have provided us, so we basically just stuck to it and said it's up to them and not up to us."
Dan Kuzmyk, who represents the municipality where Schmidt is alleged to have sold the milk, has said no tests have been conducted to verify the milk in question is raw.
The case is expected to wrap up later today.
Some 30 people – several wearing "Freedom of Choice" on their chests – attended court to support Schmidt.
Raw milk advocates believe it provides many health benefits.