Processors Urged to Make Dairy Count as Congress Begins Farm Bill Debate

Dairy processors from around the country will converge on Capitol Hill this Wednesday and Thursday to discuss their priorities for the 2007 Farm Bill with congressional leaders during IDFA's annual Washington Conference. This year's conference, held in conjunction with the 25th Annual "silver anniversary" Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party, could not come at a better time.

Starting next week, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee is slated to begin "mark up" on the 2007 Farm Bill. During mark up, the subcommittee will make changes and amendments to its draft of the Farm Bill before recommending it to the full committee. That makes this week the perfect time for members to contact their policymakers to register their positions on key issues.

"Although meeting with legislators in person is always optimal, IDFA members who are unable to attend Washington Conference this year can still make a difference during this critical time and bolster the messages delivered by conference attendees by communicating from home," said Kristin Wilcox, IDFA vice president of legislative affairs. "Through www.dairycounts.org, IDFA members can get the latest information on issues that greatly impact the way processors run their businesses. You can also check the voting records of your legislators on past priority issues and send letters to members of Congress on key Farm Bill issues."

What happens next week during the mark-up session could affect the way processors do business for the next five years or more. IDFA urges all members to have their voices heard and make dairy count.

Posted June 18, 2007