MADISON, WI – Following the introduction of the U.S. Senate’s Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is calling for Congressional action to address domestic nutrition needs and strengthen dairy businesses.
“Monies for many critical agricultural programs will run out at the end of this year, and the stability of our nation’s food supply chain and rural economies depend on lawmakers’ timely work on a new Farm Bill,” said Rebekah Sweeney, WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy.
As WCMA has advocated for, the Senate version of the Farm Bill includes an increase in funding for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives to $36 million per year. The House version, which was approved in May, maintains funding at the current $20 million.
“DBII offers farmers and processors the tools and resources to innovate amid a host of challenges, creating more stable, resilient businesses. Increased demand warrants an increase in funding, and we thank Senators for their enthusiastic support for the program – and for dairy farmers and processors,” said Sweeney.
In partnership with the Center for Dairy Research, WCMA administers the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), one of four DBII centers located throughout the country. Since DBII was launched in the 2018 Farm Bill under the leadership of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), it has directed $165 million in federal funding to support farmers and processors.
Also critical to the U.S. dairy processing industry, the Senate proposal expands the existing Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects program to yogurt and cheese offerings; mandates that USDA execute a biennial cost of production survey to ensure accurate make allowances in federal orders; and continues the Dairy Forward Pricing Program through 2029.
As lawmakers continue discussions of the Senate’s proposal, dairy businesses are encouraged to add their voices to WCMA’s coordinated advocacy effort now by visiting WisCheeseMakers.org.
