Issue Position: Fighting For Our Farms

Issue Position

"Vermont's agrarian way of life has been central to the state's identity since its founding. As family farmers face unprecedented challenges, it is vital to our economy, our landscape, our sense of place and our culture that we do all we can to help them succeed. I will continue to fight for fair milk prices to help struggling dairy farmers compete, nutrition programs that keep children healthy while supporting local food production and renewable energy innovations that will bring new revenue to farms. Most importantly, I will advocate for Vermont's "buy local' approach in Congress."

As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus, launched in July 2009, Rep. Welch has worked hard to help Vermont's dairy farmers survive the ongoing dairy price crisis. Welch testified before the House Agriculture Committee in July about the struggles facing Vermont's family farms, introduced legislation in September to close a trade loophole hurting farmers, and organized a Caucus meeting with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in October. Welch successfully worked with Vermont Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders to provide $350 million in emergency assistance to dairy farmers in fall 2009.

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