U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) has introduced new legislation to increase federal support and resources for small cheese producers in Connecticut and across the United States. Murphy’s Local Cheese Promotion and Dairy Support Act will strengthen local dairy supply chains by creating a new $5 million grant program to help small cheese producers grow their businesses. To support local agricultural systems, preference will be given to cheese producers who produce their own raw material (primarily milk), or purchase raw material from farms within their state. The legislation will also support regional and national cheese-making resource centers where experienced cheesemakers, financers, and other experts will be available to help beginning cheesemakers.
“Cheesemakers like Rustling Wind Creamery in Falls Village and Cato Corner in Colchester are becoming increasingly valuable parts of the United States’ $177 billion farming sector. They’re creating good jobs, worldwide brands, and award-winning cheeses,” said Murphy. “But for new and small cheesemakers, it can be particularly challenging to get the equipment and training they need to launch their businesses. My Local Cheese Promotion and Dairy Support Act will level the playing field and help small producers get the support and capital they need to grow their business, all while putting local farms first.”
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