US NFU Calls For Action To Alleviate Dairy Crisis
US - National Farmers Union (NFU) members, in Washington this week, were joined by Senate leaders in a call for relief to struggling dairy producers.
16 September 2009
1 minute read
NFU members are in Washington this week for the organisation's annual 'Fall Fly-In'.
“The effects of the ongoing dairy crisis are being felt across the country,” NFU President Roger Johnson said. “Dairy producers both big and small and across all regions have felt the devastating effects. We’re calling on members of Congress to continue to do all they can to provide relief.”
Among many steps that can be taken to solve the crisis, NFU is urging House and Senate appropriators to maintain the $350 million Sanders dairy amendment, as included in the Senate-passed fiscal year (FY) 2010 Agriculture Appropriations bill, throughout conference negotiations.
“We know there is no simple solution to easing the effects of the dairy crisis, but believe this is a much needed lifeline,” Mr Johnson said.
Other dairy crisis solutions NFU members are suggesting during the fly-in include:
- Passage of the Milk Import Tariff Equity Act;
- Passage of the Family Dairy Preservation Act of 2009;
- Launching the Federal Milk Marketing Order review as directed in the 2008 Farm Bill;
- Launching antitrust and potential market manipulation investigations at the Department of Justice and Commodity Futures Trading Commission; and
- Establishing a long-term supply management programme.
TheCattleSite News Desk
