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Legislative bills

Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Support Organic Dairy Farmers in Maine and Across the Country

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME), a longtime organic farmer and member of the House Agriculture Committee, has reintroduced bipartisan legislation to support organic dairy farmers in Maine and across the country. Alongside Congressmen Tony Wied (R-WI) and Nick Langworthy (R-NY), Pingree has introduced the Organic Dairy Data Collection Act, which aims to enhance data collection at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to better understand the costs associated with producing organic milk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Organic Dairy Data Collection Act would direct the USDA to collect and publish cost-of-production data for organic milk, including the costs of major organic feedstuffs, domestically produced or imported.
  • The bill would also direct the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to gather and report monthly data about the amounts that organic dairy farmers are being paid for organic milk.
  • The legislation is supported by various organizations, including the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Organic Trade Association, and the Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.
  • Organic dairy farmers across the country face challenges such as volatile markets, persistent inflation, and unfair trade practices that drive up costs and squeeze thin margins.
  • The bill aims to provide valuable data collection to inform future support for the organic dairy industry, which is facing economic crisis.

Statistics:

  • Maine is home to a number of organic dairies and is one of the top organic dairy-producing states in the country.
  • The Organic Dairy Data Collection Act would provide organic dairy farmers with the tools they need to increase market choice and continue to thrive.
  • Over 70% of organic dairy farmers in the country are small-scale producers, with many operating on thin margins.
  • The bill aims to provide accurate data on the costs of producing organic milk, which is essential for farmers to make informed business decisions.

Sources:

  • "United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)"
  • Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
  • Organic Trade Association
  • Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance
  • United States House of Representatives -- Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's Press Release

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