Kuster Calls on Feds to Assist NH Dairy Farmers

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, wrote to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Sept. 9, 2016, calling for action to protect struggling New Hampshire dairy farmers, according to a press statement. During the last year, New Hampshire dairy farmers have faced a number of significant challenges that have impacted their bottom lines and threatened the industry as a whole.

The letter follows a forum Kuster held last month in Claremont to hear directly from dairy farmers about the challenges that are facing the dairy industry.

“I urge you to use any existing authority within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide emergency relief funding to dairy producers who have been suffering from a perfect storm of low milk prices, unstable market conditions and a historic drought,” Kuster wrote. “The health and strength of New Hampshire’s dairy industry is critically important to the Granite State’s overall economy. New Hampshire’s hardworking dairy farmers and families have experienced tough times these past few years, and they need our immediate help to ensure that New Hampshire’s rich agricultural history continues with success. I request USDA take swift action and employ all available measures to financially support struggling dairy producers in the coming months.”

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The dairy industry has an impact of $141 million dollars on the state and local economies, providing over 3,500 jobs and more than $19 million in labor income.

The full text of the letter is available here.

Submitted by Nick Brown.