Raw Farm’s founder Mark McAfee has cultivated the brand into one of the most visible raw milk producers in the U.S., attracting both dedicated consumers and political allies. McAfee says Kennedy, who counts himself as a customer, encouraged him to apply for an advisory role at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focused on raw milk standards and policy development—aiming to create a federal framework for safe raw dairy production and retail.

Despite its growing profile, the raw milk sector faces formidable challenges. Strict regulations, high production and testing costs, and potential legal liability make scaling raw milk operations difficult, especially for smaller dairies. McAfee himself highlights the investment needed in pathogen testing and labeling to meet any prospective national standards.

Public health concerns loom large in the debate, as federal agencies like the FDA and CDC continue to warn against unpasteurized milk consumption due to potential pathogens—including bacterial contamination and risks associated with bird flu detected in dairy cattle and raw milk samples in California. These safety risks and resulting recalls reinforce existing regulatory caution, even as advocates argue for industry reform.