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Is raw milk legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Raw milk is legal in North Carolina - through herdshares - and many farms offer it.
On-farm sales
Not legalHerdshares
Legalby statuteRetail stores
Not legalFind raw milk in North Carolina
See farms in North Carolina listed in the Milk Finder, and the ones that deliver or have pickup near you.
Frequently asked questions
Is raw milk legal in North Carolina?
Yes. Raw milk is legal in North Carolina - through herdshares - and many farms offer it.
Can you buy raw milk directly from a farm in North Carolina?
No. Buying raw milk on the farm is not legal in North Carolina.
Are herdshares (cow shares) legal in North Carolina?
Yes. A herdshare is legal in North Carolina (by statute).
Can you buy raw milk in stores in North Carolina?
No. Selling raw milk in retail stores is not legal in North Carolina.
Raw milk laws in nearby states
✅ Virginia✅ Tennessee✅ Georgia✅ South Carolina All 50 states →
This is a plain-language summary for families, not legal advice. Laws change and sources sometimes disagree - before you buy, check the farm’s permit, test results and labels with the state’s department of agriculture.