New Legislation Aims to Bolster Support for Struggling Organic Dairy Farmers

The current economic conditions, coupled with consolidation and loopholes in the national organic program, have made it increasingly difficult for small organic dairy farms to remain viable.

The bill, also supported by Senators Bernie Sanders, Tammy Baldwin, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Cory Booker, addresses the decline in organic dairy farms by proposing measures to extend disaster assistance to those facing a net income decrease of at least 10%. The factors contributing to this decrease include organic feed shortages and increased input costs. The legislation aims to streamline the distribution of payments and improve data collection on the organic dairy industry.

The proposed bill also calls for the development of an organic dairy safety net program, mirroring existing programs available to conventional farmers. The comprehensive approach seeks to address the unique challenges faced by organic dairy producers and ensure the sustainability of their operations.

Welch announced the bill at the Choiniere Family Farm, a grass-fed organic dairy in Highgate Center, Vermont, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The farm's owner emphasized the increasing costs of goods and tightening margins, underscoring the importance of the proposed legislation.

The bill has garnered support from various organic organizations across the region. Welch expressed optimism about receiving bipartisan support for the initiative, citing the broad interest in agriculture among his colleagues. The legislation aims to become an integral part of the federal Farm Bill, recognizing the significance of providing targeted assistance to organic farmers during challenging times.

This legislative effort seeks not only to provide financial support but also to address loopholes in national organic standards and promote the long-term sustainability of organic farming practices.