|
|
back to new releases index
For Immediate Release
August 9, 2005
Contact: Press Office
(212) 688-9559
SENATOR CLINTON HOSTS DAIRY ROUNDTABLE
Discussion Focuses on Options for Organic Dairy
Production and Support for New York’s Dairy Industry
Belmont, NY - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton met today with dairy farmers for a roundtable discussion about the potential of organic agriculture as an important value-added opportunity for producers in Western New York. The meeting at Willow Creek Farms included representatives from all aspects of the dairy industry including Horizon Organic, Dairylea, Dairy Marketing Services (DMS) and Steuben Foods.
“For many New York farmers and producers, organic agriculture may provide a unique value-added opportunity that will help them stay economically viable,” Senator Clinton said. “At the same time, there are considerable difficulties and constraints in transitioning to organic. We need to do whatever we can to help facilitate the transition for interested farmers.”
“I appreciate Senator Clinton's strong support for organic dairy farming and the growth opportunities the industry provides here in New York,” said Chuck Deichmann, a Horizon Organic farmer partner who hosted Senator Clinton at his organic farm this morning. “Since my farm transitioned to organic in 2000 I have healthier cows, produce a better product and get a stable, premium price for producing high-quality milk. I hope the Senator's ongoing support will encourage other New York farmers to go organic so they can enjoy the same personal and economic rewards.”
Senator Clinton has been a strong advocate for increasing funding for organic programs in the Farm Bill. In April of this year, the Senator joined her colleagues in writing to the Senate Agricultural Appropriations Committee, urging for funding increases to several USDA-sponsored organic programs, specifically those that help farmers with transitioning, research, and marketing issues. In May 2005, Senator Clinton’s office joined Horizon Organic and the Watershed Agricultural Council in co-hosting an organic dairy information workshop for farmers in the Catskills to provide the necessary information and resources they need to make informed decisions about going organic.
The meeting today also addressed ways to support New York's dairy industry. Senator Clinton recently joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle in sending a bipartisan letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee to urge the extension of the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program. Senator Clinton cosponsored legislation earlier this year to extend the MILC Program, which is set to expire on September 30, but the bill has not moved out of the Senate Agriculture Committee. In addition to extending the program for two years, the bill would double the current annual production cap allowance from 2.4 million pounds to 4.8 million pounds, which would increase coverage of New York State farmers to over 84 percent. Since the program’s inception, New York State farmers have received about $186.2 million in total MILC payments.
“The Milk Income Loss Contract program is an important safety net for our dairy farmers in New York State. Unfortunately, MILC is set to expire in less than two months, which would leave our farmers at risk of severe financial hardship in times of fluctuating dairy prices like we saw in 2002 and 2003,” Senator Clinton said. “It is critical that Congress act now to help our dairy farmers.”
In addition, Senator Clinton recently introduced legislation with Senator Larry E. Craig (R-ID) to close trade loopholes that have allowed imports of milk protein concentrate (MPC) and caseins to increase dramatically in recent years. Current U.S. trade laws provide almost no protection from the importation of these products. Imports of MPC and casein-based food products have a negative economic effect on dairy farmers, as they displace domestically-produced milk used to make cheese and other dairy foods. The legislation would impose tariffs on milk protein concentrate and on casein that are consistent with U.S. tariffs on similar dairy products.
###
About Horizon Organic
Horizon Organic is a leading brand of certified organic milk and dairy products. Horizon Organic products can be found in conventional supermarkets and natural food stores across the U.S and works with nearly 400 family farms nationwide. For more information, visit www.horizonorganic.com
|
Food produced without antibiotics, added growth hormones or pesticides means better health and a cleaner environment.
|
