Congressman Carney Statement on USDA Purchases

Statement

CONGRESSMAN CARNEY STATEMENT ON USDA DAIRY PURCHASES
"I will always fight for our family farms."

Congressman Chris Carney applauded U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's announcement today that USDA plans to purchase about 200 million pounds of nonfat dry milk for domestic feeding programs, offering relief to dairy farmers and low income families challenged by tough economic times.

In January, Congressman Carney joined a bipartisan group of 36 Members of Congress that sent a letter encouraging Secretary Vilsack to use USDA authority to make dairy purchases for feeding programs. The Members expressed concern for dairy farmers who are faced with milk prices 25 percent lower than last year and feed prices 15 percent higher. They also highlighted the fact that a record number of Americans, more than 31 million people, qualified for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at the end of 2008.

"Dairy farming is critical to our local economy. Today's announcement will provide much needed relief to dairy farmers who are suffering from high input costs and declining milk prices while, at the same time, making it easier for low income families to put nutritious food on the table," Carney said. "I will always fight for our family farms. They feed this nation and we owe them all the support and gratitude in the world, especially during these trying economic times."

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