Rep. Kind Applauds USDA Decision to Purchase $20 Million in Cheese for Federal Nutrition Programs

U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) applauds recent action taken by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase $20 million worth of cheese products for federal nutrition programs and food banks.  Kind recently joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in sending a letter to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to take action to help bring stability to dairy prices.

“Our dairy farmers have been hit hard by depressed farm milk prices, creating lower incomes and vulnerability at both the farm and at home,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “I’m very pleased that Wisconsin farmers will receive help from the USDA by increasing demand for their dairy products, while also providing those relying on food banks for nutritional assistance with healthy, balanced meals.  I applaud the USDA for its timely action, and will continue to fight to improve conditions for dairy farmers in western and central Wisconsin.”

The letter, signed by Kind and a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives from Wisconsin and other dairy-producing states, detailed the current unfavorable market conditions for the dairy industry. The group urged the USDA to take all actions available in order to support U.S. dairy farmers.

In June, Rep. Kind unveiled a comprehensive Dairy Action Plan, to fix problems that dairy farmers are currently facing and provide relief for a looming drop in dairy prices.   The plan looks to make federal farm programs more efficient, open new markets, expand agriculture research, pass comprehensive immigration reform, and encourage the next generation of family farmers.