New Jersey lawmakers are hearing testimony in support of lifting the ban prohibiting the sale of raw milk in the state.

New Jersey currently only allows the sale of pasteurized milk. Pasteurized milk is heated to nearly 200 degrees in order to kill germs, while raw milk is straight from the cow?s udder. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two people died from the consumption of raw milk between 1998 and 2005. Raw milk enthusiasts argue it is healthier, however.

Dairy farmer Bob Poskas, of Middlebush Farms, says thousands of New Jerseyans cross state lines to buy raw milk from Pennsylvania and New York. Supporters of lifting the ban believe it would be a significant boost to the state?s dying dairy farm industry.

?Extra income keeps us alive,? says Poskas.

For more on the efforts to legalize the sale of raw milk, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.