Help for Dairy, SMall Farms Highlight Feingold Farm Bill Accomplishments

Press Release

HELP FOR DAIRY, SMALL FARMS HIGHLIGHT FEINGOLD FARM BILL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Feingold Votes for Farm Bill But Disappointed With Lack of Reform

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold voted in favor of the Senate Farm Bill today, which included several provisions Feingold authored to help Wisconsin farmers, but expressed disappointment with the defeat of several common-sense reforms despite bipartisan support. Among the measures Feingold successfully had included or supported in the bill were restoration of the MILC program, protection for Wisconsin's dairy farmers through better price reporting and USDA oversight, and a balanced milk marketing order review commission. Feingold was also pleased that the bill included provisions similar to those in his Rural Opportunities Act aimed at creating opportunities for rural America by increasing rural broadband, promoting local foods, and investing in bio-energy. The bill also includes Feingold provisions protecting small farmers from unfair competition by preventing mandatory arbitration and helping farmers to remain eligible for Social Security.

"I am pleased that the Senate has passed a Farm Bill that includes a number of provisions I authored to help improve the lives of farmers and rural residents in Wisconsin and across the country," Feingold said. "While more should be done to reform farm subsidies and the direct payment system, overall, this bill helps dairy producers through measures like raising the MILC reimbursement rate and ensuring better USDA oversight. Small farmers and rural communities will also benefit from the bill through its improvements to rural broadband programs. But rest assured that I will keep fighting for further, much-needed reforms."

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