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Dairy Bill Signed into Law
February 27, 2004
AUGUSTA- Checks are currently being processed for distribution for continued relief to dairy farmers. In an effort to provide needed financial assistance to dairy farmers, Governor Baldacci signed into law last week a bill that extends the dairy stabilization relief program. The program will continue through the end of May with an estimated price tag of $2.1 million. The original program had run out on December 31, 2003.
Relief funding came from $2.4 million that had been authorized to help farmers last spring but had not yet been expended. Rep. John Piotti, D-Unity, who serves on the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry as well as the Governor’s Task Force on the Sustainability of the Dairy Industry in Maine, was pleased the Governor agreed to extend the relief program.
“We needed to pass this bill while we look for a long-term solution. Maine’s farmers are suffering, not through any fault of their own, but because of failed federal pricing policies. Until federal policies change, Maine needs to take care of its own people and an industry which has thrived for generations,” said Rep. Piotti.
Since the collapse of the Northeast Dairy Compact, more than 50 farms have gone out of business. “This bill is a Band-Aid that will keep farmers in business. It will keep farms alive while we wait for the long-term solution,” said Rep. Nancy Smith, D-Monmouth, also a member of the Agriculture Committee. Rep. Smith is also a dairy farmer. The long-term solution is necessary to sustain the rural economy of Maine, she said. “The rural economy is more than just dairy farms. When a farm goes out of business, it has a domino effect on other businesses.”
The law goes into effect immediately. The final report of the Governor’s Dairy Task Force was completed in November. The Baldacci administration is currently developing specific strategies for action based on these recommendations. A plan is expected to be unveiled in March. It is expected that additional legislation will be worked on throughout the rest of the special Legislative session.
Contact:
Rep. John Piotti, 437-2493
Rep. Nancy Smith, 933-2707
Casey Johnson, Legislative Aide, 287-1430