No, raw milk sales are prohibited in Arkansas under the Arkansas Food Code (2024), which aligns with the state’s dairy safety laws enforced by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Livestock and Poultry Division. Direct-to-consumer raw milk sales remain illegal, though herd-share agreements operate in a legal gray area pending 2026 legislative review.
Key Regulations for Raw Milk in Arkansas
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Statewide Ban: Arkansas Code § 20-56-204 explicitly prohibits the sale of raw milk for human consumption, with no retail or farmstand exceptions. Violations may result in fines or permit suspension under the Arkansas Food Code, administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture (ADA).
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Herd-Share Loophole: While direct sales are banned, some consumers participate in herd-share programs where they co-own dairy cows and receive raw milk as part of a private agreement. The ADA has not formally regulated these arrangements, leaving them vulnerable to interpretation under public health statutes.
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2026 Compliance Shifts: The ADA’s 2024-2025 rulemaking cycle includes proposed amendments to clarify herd-share legality, with stakeholders advocating for either stricter oversight or limited legalization. Proposed changes may require health department inspections or labeling mandates for herd-share participants.