Wisconsin Ag Connection - Lawmakers Want USDA to Boost Domestic Milk Sales

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Lawmakers Want USDA to Boost Domestic Milk Sales
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/29/2016

A group of three U.S. Senators, including Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin, are asking the USDA for assistance to help dairy producers struggling with declining milk prices. In a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the lawmakers urged the agency to use its authority under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to expand and maintain U.S. domestic markets.

"Wisconsin dairy farmers work hard every day moving our economy forward, so we need to do everything we can to reward their hard work by giving them a fair shot at getting ahead," said Sen. Baldwin. "Keeping our economy strong means ensuring our rural communities and farms make it through this challenging time for the dairy industry."

The letter noted that farm milk prices have dropped 40 percent since 2014, which they blame on an increase in U.S. milk production levels and changes in the European Union's regulation of milk production. They also claim that Vilsack has the authority to expand and maintain U.S. domestic markets through the CCCC program.

"By taking such action, the USDA can make an immediate market injection to directly and equally support struggling dairy farmers nationwide," the letter stated.

The memo was co-authored by Sens. Patrick Leahy of Vermont and Bob Casey from Pennsylvania, and Rep. Joe Courtney, Connecticut. Another 57 members of the House and Senate co-signed the letter, including Wisconsin Reps. Ron Kind and Mark Pocan.

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