NFU: USDA Dairy Announcement Welcomed, More Needed
US - National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson has thanked US Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for the announcement that the Obama Administration would increase the amount paid for dairy products through the Dairy Product Price Support Programme (DPPSP) from August 2009 through October 2009.The Administration’s plan raises the price paid for nonfat dry milk from $0.80 per pound to $0.92 per pound, the price paid for cheddar blocks from $1.13 per pound to $1.31 per pound and the price of cheddar barrels from $1.10 per pound to $1.28 per pound.
“Secretary Vilsack’s announcement is a continued signal that the Administration understands the dire situation facing the dairy industry,” Mr Johnson said.
“Our dairy producers are facing an unprecedented economic situation and while this announcement is a welcomed step, both the Administration and Congress must act further to ensure the domestic dairy industry can survive.”
The NFU Board of Directors spoke with Secretary Vilsack via conference call this morning and thanked Vilsack for his commitment to dairy producers.
Two Farmers Union members have testified before Congress during the past two weeks about the legislative steps needed to address the dairy crisis.
“The health of the dairy industry absolutely depends on a competitive market and an economic environment that allows producers to get a return on investment greater than cost of production,” Johnson said.
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