A federal program that supplies dairy farms in New York state and across the country with extra money and protection is currently in limbo.
The Dairy Margin Protection Program was started by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer D- N.Y., in 2018. Schumer revealed in a meeting in Genesee County on Monday that the program that many farmers rely on will expire in September. Schumer stressed the importance of this program, saying he will not stop fighting to make sure it is renewed after September to continue to be able to support dairy farmers.
Schumer said in a press release following the meeting in Genesee County, that the upstate dairy industry could face a “dairy cliff” after the program expires in the coming months and that this lifeline federal program gives critical payments to dairy farmers every month. Schumer said that if the program were to cease it would force the feds to revert to a post-Great Depression era policy for the dairy industry, leading to devastating long-term impacts to farmers and consumers, causing billions in avoidable spending, and hitting families with increased milk prices. Schumer will launch his new push to protect this program as Congress begins negotiations for this year’s farm bill to ensure New York dairy farmers have the support and safety net they need.
Locally, Dick Kimball, Chautauqua County Farm Bureau president, said the program is a tool that is worth having.
Source: post-journal.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: New York, Livestock, Dairy Cattle