We asked a broad range of people with industry ties for their ideas on how best to move forward. The question: What needs to be done to ensure the future of dairy farming in Vermont?

To ensure the future for dairy farming in Vermont, the next farm bill must have a mechanism in place to tie the price of milk to the cost of production.

We here in the Northeast have a much higher cost of production than either the farmers in the South or the West. If we are unable to achieve a higher price, then many more farmers will be forced out of business, resulting in a loss of our infrastructure. If the country were divided into five regions, each region would have its own price. Supply of milk would reflect the price. Each region would regulate production within its confines.

I do think the state should be interested in helping dairy farmers. They are the backbone of the state. With a strong federal pricing system in place, the state could provide matching state dollars to farmers' dollars to assist its dairy farmers to improve their operations. This could include anything from fencing supplies for organic dairymen, to stalls for conventional dairy farmers.

Obviously, we as taxpayers realize the state has financial limitations. Providing some annual state assistance, the state will realize a financial gain through the resulting vibrant dairy and tourism industries -- the two being so closely interrelated. It would also ensure that the consumer would have fresh, wholesome product right here in Vermont!

Source: Burlington Free Press