Senate Passes Ag Appropriations Bill with Revised Dairy Language

On November 6, the Senate approved its fiscal year 2004 agriculture appropriations bill, which includes revised language from Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) regarding the Dairy Price Support Program. Strong opposition by the dairy foods industry last week to Specter's original dairy amendment, which would have frozen the "powder/butter tilt," resulted in passage of significantly modified language that IDFA believes will have minimal impact on how the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) administers the support program. The House and Senate versions of the agriculture appropriations legislation must now be melded into a compromise bill in conference committee.

"We'd like to thank those members who swiftly contacted the members of Congress. It is clear that IDFA members played a major role in this debate," stated IDFA Senior Vice President Chip Kunde.

For more information, contact IDFA's legislative group at (202) 737-4332.

Posted November 10, 2003