States are allowed to write their own laws governing the sale of raw milk. But thanks to a 1987 ordinance passed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), all milk sold across state lines, even between two states where raw milk sales are legal, must be pasteurized.

We think that’s wrong. So, on September 26, the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) will join our allies at the Real Food Consumer Coalition, the Organic and Natural Health Association and the American Grassfed Association to bring the truth about raw milk to Congress.

Want to help? We’re calling on all raw milk farmers and drinkers to join us in educating their members of Congress about the benefits of raw milk. Please register for our pre-lobby-day training webinar on September 17, at 8 p.m. EDT and sign up to join our lobbying team in person, in Washington, D.C., on September 26.

We had hoped that a bipartisan amendment to the Farm Bill, introduced earlier this year by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), would have ended the FDA’s ban on interstate sales of raw milk. After all, in Europe, raw milk is considered so safe that you can buy it in vending machines.

But unfortunately, Massie’s amendment was defeated—though not without a historic debate and roll call vote, the first real challenge to what Massie calls “pasteurization without representation.”

In a press release issued before the amendment went down, Massie’s office said:

The FDA should not have the power to shut down peaceful farmers selling milk to willing consumers. It is Congress’s job to legislate. Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch (such as the FDA) do not and should not have this power.

It’s time to thank the 79 members of Congress who voted in favor of Massie’s amendment—and let the 331 who voted against it why they should change their views on raw milk. Find out how your Representative voted. Then please schedule a visit to the district office of your Congress member.

Better yet, If you can make it to Washington on September 26, to join our lobbying team in person. And join us that evening for a delicious dinner of food donated by regenerative organic farms and prepared by award winning chefs.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of raw milk? And share the information with your member of Congress? FarmersOverPharmacies.com provides information on how raw milk can be part of a nutrient-dense, restorative diet helpful for nursing moms and people with cancer, Crohne’s disease, asthma and allergies.

Alexis Baden-Mayer is political director for the Organic Consumers Association. Keep up with news on raw milk and other food, agriculture and environment issues by subscribing to OCA’s online newsletter.