From Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF): We appreciate the prompt action taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture today [Aug. 23] to purchase $20 million worth of cheese products to donate to food assistance programs, following the request made to USDA by NMPF on Aug. 12.
This cheese purchase will provide some assistance to America’s dairy farmers through increased demand for their milk, while also serving the needs of Americans who patronize food banks and other charitable assistance organizations that will distribute the cheese purchased by USDA.
We will continue to assess the economic situation facing dairy farmers and suggest ways to help farmers endure this lengthy period of low prices.
We also appreciate the USDA extending the sign-up deadline for enrollment decisions in the dairy Margin Protection Program. Giving farmers until Dec. 16 to adjust their coverage levels for calendar year 2017 will help increase the opportunity for dairy farmers to utilize this crucial risk management tool.
We will continue to work with USDA and Congress to find ways to further improve the Margin Protection Program for dairy farmers. PD
—From National Milk Producers Federation news release
