(IDFA) – More than 30 dairy foods manufacturers – including some of the largest food companies in the United States – have sent letters over the past week to members of the House and Senate, including key agriculture committee members, calling on them to oppose government-imposed limits on milk supply. Instead, they urge legislators to adopt the Dairy Freedom Act, a bipartisan compromise alternative offered by two House Agriculture Committee members, Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and David Scott (D-GA).
The manufacturing companies are members of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), which has been the leading opponent of the Dairy Market Stabilization Program, a supply management provision included in the Dairy Security Act, part of the Farm Bill versions proposed by the committees last year.
“The Dairy Freedom Act would resolve a very contentious issue that has played a significant role in delaying the Farm Bill,” said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president for legislative and economic affairs. “This bill mirrors everything in the Dairy Security Act except the hugely divisive supply management provision, which is opposed by a broad and deep alliance of consumer groups, anti-tax groups, food and restaurant groups, many dairy producer groups and dairy food manufacturers.”
Dairy foods manufacturers would be subjected to new and extensive regulations under the provision in the Dairy Security Act, which is expected to be included in the Farm Bill versions proposed by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and House Agriculture Committee Chair Frank Lucas (R-OK). Both chairs were copied on the letters. The Dairy Market Stabilization Program would use market regulations to assure that farm milk prices remain high, which would hurt consumers, food companies and dairy exporters.
