vermont probiotics

February 21st, 2007
Vermont, economics, entrepreneur

Despite the harsh economic realities of the small Vermont dairy farm, it would be unfortunate to see them go. In the not too distant future, we may lament their demise for reasons only a few of us realize. But it is not a good plan to further tax the state budget to save economically marginally farms. However, an opportunity to save a few of the smaller dairies – those that can adopt progressive thinking - is there for the taking – awaiting strong entrepreneurial leadership.

CBS Evening news very recently ran a segment on “probiotics“; essentially raw milk, unpasteurized yogurt etc. all premised on the health advantages of natural (full of “good” bacteria) dairy products. One western dairyman sells his raw milk at 3 times the producer rate and can’t supply the demand! Rather than reach in to the till and extract $3.2 million dollars to forestall the inevitable, the state should underwrite a new venture, raise capital by a special lottery and form a “probiotics” cooperative. And damn the special interests. Given the apparent market opportunity, a well planned cooperative may be able to raise funding by venture capital investment. Using the always popular “Vermont” branding on a probiotics line, milk prices at the barnyard could do very well indeed!

Now, where can we find a real entrepreneur? In Montpelier?

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