WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) applauded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) announcement that they will provide $46,530 to 14 Connecticut dairy producers who are enrolled in the Margin Protection Program-Dairy (MPP) – an insurance mechanism designed to help farmers struggling with tight margins. The USDA’s announcement came just one week after Murphy and Blumenthal joined a bipartisan group of 59 other members of Congress, led by U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2), in calling on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide assistance to dairy producers grappling with declining milk prices.
“I’m glad the USDA took action to help Connecticut’s dairy farmers, but it’s not enough,” said Murphy. “Dairy producers in Connecticut have been getting the short-end of the stick with this program, and they’re struggling to make ends meet. I’ll be working closely with Congressman Courtney to continue pushing USDA to use the authority they already have to level the playing field and help our dairy farmers get the stability they need.”
Blumenthal said, “This announcement provides a small amount of relief to Connecticut farmers but like a drizzle in the midst of a drought, it is welcome but not nearly adequate. We renew our call for the Department of Agriculture to review and revise its price support system to provide greater relief to Connecticut dairy farmers who have significantly higher costs – costs not currently reflected in today’s dairy price support program.”
Connecticut’s dairy producers contribute nearly $1.3 billion and 4,286 jobs to the state annually. However, they often face thin profit margins and long working hours, making it difficult for them to grow their businesses and plan for the future. Earlier this year, Murphy introduced the Local Cheese Promotion and Dairy Support Act to strengthen local dairy supply chains and create a new $5 million grant program that will help cheese producers expand their businesses.
Source: Office of U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.)
