By Blake Jackson
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving pricing transparency in the dairy industry.
The legislation would require dairy manufacturers to report processing costs every two years, ensuring that milk prices better reflect production expenses.
“New York dairy farmers deserve to be paid a fair price for their milk, and they need a milk pricing system that they can count on,” said Senator Gillibrand.
“Requiring manufacturers to report dairy processing costs on a biennial basis will give dairy producers, processors, and cooperatives the data they need to ensure that their prices accurately reflect the costs of production.”
Senator Collins emphasized the importance of transparency for dairy farmers in Maine. “Maine’s dairy farmers work hard to produce high-quality milk, but they often don’t have clear information on how processing costs affect the prices they receive for their product,” she said.
The bill has a companion version in the House, introduced by Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Joe Morelle (D-NY). “By giving farmers additional confidence in the dairy pricing system, the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act will help create more stability in the dairy market,” said Congressman Morelle.
Industry groups, including the New York Farm Bureau and the National Milk Producers Federation, have endorsed the bill.
“We support the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act because it would establish mandatory audited surveys as they relate to ‘make allowances.’ These audits would be a far better indicator of actual costs than current estimates, which are based on voluntary plant participation,” said David Fisher, President of the New York Farm Bureau.
“We thank Senators Gillibrand and Collins for prioritizing the needs of farmers and understanding the challenges they face every day.”
Photo Credit: istock-cagkansayin
Categories: New York, Government & Policy