County board urges passing of milk pricing reform bill
NORWICH – County legislators are urging federal lawmakers to support a piece of legislation which would help struggling dairy farmers.
Last week, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution in support of s.1645, the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act of 2009. The bill, aimed at addressing the disparity between the cost of milk production and farm gate milk prices, was introduced more than a year ago by Pennsylvania Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey.
Often referred to as the Specter-Casey Bill, the legislation would standardize a pricing system for Class II milk, which would then be used to determine the Class I price. It would also require the USDA to establish a floor price for Class II milk, which would then be adjusted periodically throughout the year. Protections are also included in the bill, to shield farmers from bearing the expense of milk hauling and processing costs.
“Throughout recent history, dairy farmers in our county, the state of New York and the nation, have contended with a volatile milk-pricing climate, whereby large increases in production costs do not realize commensurate increases in milk price,” read the resolution, which was brought forward by the county’s Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds committee.
According to county officials, it is important to support the initiative, as dairy farming remains the largest industry in Chenango County. For the last year and a half, farmers have struggled to survive on milk prices which for many have dropped below the price of production.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Mike Arcuri, urging their support of the bill.
Last week, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution in support of s.1645, the Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act of 2009. The bill, aimed at addressing the disparity between the cost of milk production and farm gate milk prices, was introduced more than a year ago by Pennsylvania Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey.
Often referred to as the Specter-Casey Bill, the legislation would standardize a pricing system for Class II milk, which would then be used to determine the Class I price. It would also require the USDA to establish a floor price for Class II milk, which would then be adjusted periodically throughout the year. Protections are also included in the bill, to shield farmers from bearing the expense of milk hauling and processing costs.
“Throughout recent history, dairy farmers in our county, the state of New York and the nation, have contended with a volatile milk-pricing climate, whereby large increases in production costs do not realize commensurate increases in milk price,” read the resolution, which was brought forward by the county’s Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds committee.
According to county officials, it is important to support the initiative, as dairy farming remains the largest industry in Chenango County. For the last year and a half, farmers have struggled to survive on milk prices which for many have dropped below the price of production.
Copies of the resolution will be sent to Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Mike Arcuri, urging their support of the bill.
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