[Marxism] Tonko calls on Feds to help dairy farmers

[sabocat59@xxxxxxx]

    Tonko Calls on Federal Officials to Assist Dairy Farmers 

 February 23, 2009 4:58 PM    

 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-Amsterdam) sent a letter Monday to the 
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture calling for action to protect 
dairy farmers, who are facing a crisis that could lead to the loss of farms 
throughout Upstate New York. Rep. Tonko is joining other members of Congress in 
calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to buy surplus dairy products 
for use in federal nutrition programs, which could make up for lost demand and 
stabilize wholesale prices. 

Rep. Tonko is responding to concerns he heard directly from farmers during 
meetings in the district last week. The full text of the letter is included 
following the release.

 The wholesale price farmers are paid for milk has plummeted because of a 
worldwide drop in demand due to the slowing economy. At the same time, the 
farmers' cost to produce milk remains high, thanks to increased costs for 
energy, fertilizer and grain. The result is that farmers are receiving less for 
their milk on the wholesale market than the cost of production, leading many to 
predict that a prolonged recession will put many small and midsized farms out 
of business. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the wholesale price of milk 
has dropped by more than half over the past two years. "Allowing this current 
trend to continue will be disastrous for many local dairy farmers," said Rep. 
Tonko. "We have to take steps to bolster the market and keep our local farms 
functioning. Dairy farms form the backbone of communities throughout upstate 
New York, and while consumers may see lower prices at the store as a good 
thing, the closure of farms will have catastrophic effects for many local 
communities. I will continue to look for opportunities to partner with our New 
York Congressional delegation to ensure that family daily farms will survive 
our economic downturn."  

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker said, “Dairy farmers 
cannot survive this economy with the prices they are currently receiving.  
Therefore, we support the efforts of our Congressional delegation and Governor 
Paterson who is working closely with them to find ways to address these low 
milk prices and support our family dairy 
farmers.”                                                                       
 ###   Full text of letter:  February 23, 2009 The Honorable Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C. 20250 

Dear Mr. Secretary:         

    I write to you concerning a crisis that is destabilizing local dairy 
farmers in my district.  The dairy industry bares a huge economic impact in New 
York State.  My district and several others in New York State have local 
economies that are reliant on the farm economy.  In fact, in the 21st 
Congressional District of New York alone, there are over 2,327 farms, 34,000 
cows and 715,000 thousand pounds of milk production.

 A serious imbalance in the domestic dairy industry presents an imminent threat 
to the economic stability and welfare of American dairy farmers, especially in 
Upstate New York.  In spite of industry-led efforts to balance supply, the 
overall state of the economy has reduced demand for dairy foods, resulting in 
an estimated 2009 surplus of 6.5 billion pounds.         

    It is now predicted by the United States Department of Agriculture that the 
minimum price per hundredweight will drop to $10.72 this month.  At that price, 
dairy farmers in New York cannot adequately sustain their operations, even at 
the best and most efficient farms.  The crisis is compounded due to production 
costs that by historical standards remain high and an export market that has 
contracted along with the global economy.                In light of disturbing 
evidence, and consistent with the authority granted the Secretary under law, I 
respectfully urge you to make generous purchases of dairy products as soon as 
possible for use in federal nutrition programs.  As we work to address 
long-term solutions to overproduction, as well as stimulate the economy by 
retaining agricultural as well as corollary jobs, your quick action to remove 
surpluses from the market is critical to ease the immediate crisis and continue 
to provide wholesome and nutritious products for school children, the elderly 
and others in need.  Thank you for your prompt attention and consideration of 
this request.                                                             
Sincerely,                                  Paul 
Tonko                                       Member of Congress  
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
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