A bipartisan bill that would require manufacturers to report dairy processing costs every 2 years, which would help dairy farmers make sure that their prices accurately reflect the costs of production. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has joined her Republican colleague Susan Collins introduced the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act.
“New York dairy farmers deserve to be paid a fair price for their milk, and they need a milk pricing system that they can count on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Requiring manufacturers to report dairy processing costs on a biennial basis will give dairy producers, processors, and cooperatives the data they need to ensure that their prices accurately reflect the costs of production. After successfully championing dairy pricing reforms in the last Congress, I look forward to supporting New York’s dairy industry by passing this vital bipartisan bill.”
“Maine’s dairy farmers work hard to produce high-quality milk, but they often don’t have clear information on how processing costs affect the prices they receive for their product,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill would increase transparency across the dairy industry by requiring processors to report the costs of turning raw milk into products like cheese, butter, and yogurt, giving farmers the information they need to advocate for fairer pricing.”
Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Joe Morelle (D-NY) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. The bill is endorsed by the New York Farm Bureau, National Milk Producers Federation, Northeast Dairy Farmers Cooperatives, and International Dairy Foods Association.
“New York dairy farmers deserve to be paid a fair price for their milk, and they need a milk pricing system that they can count on,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Requiring manufacturers to report dairy processing costs on a biennial basis will give dairy producers, processors, and cooperatives the data they need to ensure that their prices accurately reflect the costs of production. After successfully championing dairy pricing reforms in the last Congress, I look forward to supporting New York’s dairy industry by passing this vital bipartisan bill.”
“Creating stability in the dairy market is one of the most important things we can do to protect dairy farmers and ensure that Americans have access to affordable, nutritious dairy products,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “New York is one of the top producing dairy states in the nation, and the 23rd Congressional District is home to many multigenerational dairy farms who are already struggling to keep their operations going. This legislation requires the USDA to stay up to date with market allowances and ensure fair milk pricing that truly reflects the costs our dairy processors are facing. I’m proud to partner with Senator Gillibrand and my colleagues in the House on this important legislation to protect our dairy industry.”
“Volatility in the dairy market causes uncertainty for farmers and consumers alike, leading to unfair prices for both. It’s critical we take action to ensure everyone receives the fairest price possible, which is exactly what this legislation seeks to do,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “By giving farmers additional confidence in the dairy pricing system, the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act will help create more stability in the dairy market and support my home state of New York’s proud history of dairy production. I’m proud to introduce this bill alongside Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Langworthy, and Congressman Van Orden, and I look forward to working with them to see it passed into law.”
“We support the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act because it would establish mandatory audited surveys as they relate to ‘make allowances.’ These audits would be a far better indicator of actual costs than current estimates, which are based on voluntary plant participation,” said David Fisher, President of the New York Farm Bureau. “We thank Senators Gillibrand and Collins for prioritizing the needs of farmers and understanding the challenges they face every day.”
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