I want to understand policy issues affecting dairy
The 7,400 dairy farm families who make up Pennsylvania's dairy industry are a vital economic engine for the state, providing the foundation for a $4.2 billion industry and supporting more than 40,000 jobs. In fact, dairy accounts for 42 percent of all agricultural receipts within the state. Pennsylvania's dairy producers depend on sound legislative policies and fair regulations supporting sustainability dairy businesses in the state.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Center for Dairy Excellence, with input from the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force, have also drafted a list of dairy policy recommendations for dairy policy reform. Click here to review those recommendations.
A Timeline
The Center for Dairy Excellence also continues to advise both federal and state policy leaders on the current dairy situation and possible solutions. In August 2009, Executive Director John Frey provided testimony before a hearing of the PA House of Representatives Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Click here to read his testimony.
In November, Governor Edward Rendell sent letters to US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and the Pennsylvania Congressional delegation urging them to take action on key dairy-related issues in light of the ongoing dairy price depression. Governor Rendell also urged Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board Chair Keith Bierly for PMMB's continued assistance in helping dairy farm families through this crisis.
In the spring of 2010, the Center for Dairy Excellence and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture revised a concept paper to outline recommendations for US Dairy Policy and Pricing Programs. Click here to review that document.
Erick Coolidge (dairy farmer and CDE board member) and Robert Schupper (Dairy Category Manager at Giant Foods) serve as Pennsylvania's representatives to the USDA Dairy Advisory Committee. In April 2010, the committee met for the first time and Erick shared his perspectives on the meeting with the center.
In April 2010, Executive Director John Frey provided testimony before another hearing of the PA House of Representatives Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee addressing dairy policy. Click here to read his testimony.
The Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force also works closely with organizations that follow dairy policies on behalf of dairy producers. Those organizations are:
The Northeast Dairy Leadership Team
An alliance initiated by a memorandum of understanding signed by the departments of agriculture in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont in June 2006. The NEDLT’s vision is to be the driving force for a vibrant, growing dairy industry through dynamic regional stakeholder collaboration.
The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
A general farm organization providing legislative support, services and information to Pennsylvania's farmers and rural families since 1950. The Farm Bureau provides its farming members with representation in Washington and Harrisburg concerning farming legislation.
Pennsylvania State Grange
A non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life, promoting family life, and advancing the cause of agriculture through a myriad of programs and events, many at the grassroots level.
Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board
The Milk Marketing Board provides a regulatory environment that facilitates a safe, adequate supply of wholesome milk by providing security for its dairy farmers and milk dealers; while providing an adequate supply of dairy products for consumers.
To review a summary of programs and initiatives released by the PMMB to increase dairy farm income and securities in the Northeast, click here.
PennAg
A member-based trade association representing agribusiness in and around Pennsylvania, PennAg provides legislative representation, information and member benefits to the service sector of Pennsylvania agriculture. PennAg's councils provide additional support and representation for multiple sectors of the industry.
National Milk Producers Federation
A farm commodity organization representing most of the dairy marketing cooperatives serving this nation. NMPF members market the majority of milk produced in the U.S., making NMPF an effective voice on national issues affecting dairy cooperatives and their members.