Ontario, Aug. 18, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raw milk farmer Michael Schmidt and shepherdess Montana Jones are facing prison time in the 2012 "disappearing sheep" case. According to its website, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is charging the farmers with a litany of violations related to the disappearance of Jones' flock of healthy, heritage breed Shropshire sheep in April of 2012.

The farmers' crowdfunding page, set up by attorney and Canadian Constitution Foundation litigation director Karen Selick is gaining exposure and support from the international community. The Indiegogo campaign explains the history and details of the case. Selick includes a plea for immediate and continuing funding to keep the two farmers out of prison.

Donations have been coming in from around the world. The campaign has raised over $6,000 in 10 days from donors in 8 countries. "People understand that this case could define the lives of two notable farmers in the real food movement. Equally importantly, it will determine whether an outrageous and draconian law should continue on the books. I'm pleased to see so many people stand in solidarity with these farmers."

The Ontario government attempted for decades to prevent Michael Schmidt from providing raw milk to his private "cow-sharing" club. If convicted, Schmidt's prison time would prevent him from producing raw milk for his community.

Sally Fallon Morell is president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a worldwide non-profit organization dedicated to helping people find sources of traditional foods. She said, "It is clear that the Canadian government is using its power to go after Michael and Montana, and they need us to stand alongside them at this time more than ever. All of us who value non-toxic farming and nutrient dense foods need to support these heroes with our contributions."

The case is in the preliminary hearing stage, and the testimony of the witnesses is shrouded under a media ban. Information about the case is available on the Canadian Constitution Foundation's Indiegogo page. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-defend-farmers-charged-in-rare-sheep-case#/story

The Weston A. Price Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nutrition education foundation with the mission of disseminating accurate, science-based information on diet and health. Named after nutrition pioneer Weston A. Price, DDS, author of Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, the Washington, DC-based Foundation publishes a quarterly journal for its 15,000 members, supports 600 local chapters worldwide and hosts a yearly international conference. The Foundation phone number is (202) 363-4394, www.westonaprice.org, info@westonaprice.org.