STATEMENT: Support for Dairy Policy Legislation Signals Progress in Efforts to Stimulate Dairy Policy Reform

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.'s (DFA) Board and management commend Reps. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, for their bipartisan leadership in the effort to reform dairy policy. This week Simpson, a senior member of the House Budget and Appropriations committee, joined Peterson, ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, in supporting America's dairy producers through a re-write of federal dairy policy. Peterson took a vital first step earlier this summer in developing draft legislation that begins the discussion on dairy reform. Simpson's follow-up pledge this week to be the lead Republican sponsor for the bill underscores the bipartisan support for this critical legislation. We look forward to the bill's introduction when Congress reconvenes in September and are working with Peterson and Simpson to secure additional support for this measure. Dairy plays a vital role in this nation's agriculture industry and in the fight against hunger and malnutrition. Working toward federal dairy policy reform is essential to ensure producers have the tools they need to remain competitive in the world market and facilitate the industry's growth and long-term sustainability. John Wilson Senior Vice President Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. 08.15.2011