I got an update today from the folks running the campaign to keep milk prices down and protect the small Dairy farmers.
Keepmilkpriceslow.org - Grass to Glass Campaign Update
August 5, 2005
Dear Supporter,
This letter serves as an update of our Grass to Glass Campaign, which could not have been successful without your assistance. Since we launched our website to assist in our fight against large dairy interests and the USDA's effort to cripple our family businesses, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from our friends and customers who have taken the time to send the USDA letters in support of our dairies. We wanted to take a moment to update you about what is happening with our struggle and to humbly request your continued support.
Thousands of Consumers Back Producer-Handlers
Nearly 13,000 e-mails were sent by visitors to www.keepmilkpriceslow.org . In addition, we were able to collect petition signatures from over 25,000 concerned citizens in our communities. From the household data we collected, we estimate that these e-mails and comments represent nearly 140,000 milk drinkers. The Hearing Clerk for the USDA has been flooded with e-mails and petitions in the Washington D.C. office. She stated, “We have never seen anything like this. We assembled 60 large 3-ring binders which hold approximately 655 sheets of paper.” This totals 39,990 individual sheets of paper that had to be stamped in. She continued by saying, “I have not seen public support like this in my 33-year career.”
Our campaign has been successful in just two short months. Our goal was to help the public understand what large dairy interests pushing for and what may happen as a result of the mandate passing. Many of the people who visited our website wrote and told the USDA to keep competition alive and that the proposed recommendation was un-American.
In response, our opponents have told USDA that consumer comments are “legally irrelevant to the Secretary's decision.” They feel public commentary has no stance in the fight to preserve producer-handlers and keep milk prices low. We, however, know that the views of the people are relevant and that our collective action will convince USDA that they are out of touch with their flawed rule-making approach.
Congress Asked to Oppose Limited Competition
For over 70 years, the Federal Government has regulated the dairy industry. Throughout this period, producer-handlers have been exempt from pricing regulations. As consolidation in the dairy industry has brought about larger and fewer processors and cooperatives, the number of producer-handlers has dwindled from over 400 to about 60 nationwide. Those farms that control their milk from grass to glass are truly a dying breed. The proposed USDA rules will almost certainly eliminate a few more. In addition to hurting our farms, the good people we employ and the communities that we serve will suffer, as well.
Congress is ultimately in charge of federal regulations. Representatives from our dairies have visited our Senators and Representatives in Washington D.C. We enlightened them concerning the story of our struggle. Many listened and chose to act on our behalf. As a result, we have received the support of eight U.S. Senators and Congressmembers. The support from each Congressional Representative from Arizona , Washington State and Oregon is important in order to help keep our family businesses alive and the price of milk low. E-mails from the website are now being forwarded to the USDA along with a copy to each Senator and Congressmember from the three aforementioned states.
The Fight Continues
Based on estimates from the USDA a final decision is made on these regulations in early spring 2006. As soon as we get a decision, we will update our website. In the meantime, our opponents continue to push their plans to severely restrict producer-handler operations and force oppressive and anti-competitive regulations on all dairymen.
Dairy Farmers of America and Dean Foods have proposed the same anti-consumer and anti-competitive regulations for producer-handlers in Appalachian, Midwestern and Southeastern states. There is even talk of using Congress to mandate the full regulation of producer-handlers.
Our opponents will stop at nothing to get us under their thumb. They will not stop and neither can we. We would be grateful for your continued involvement. If you are so inclined, please consider visiting our website and sending a new letter to the U.S. Congress expressing your concern and opposition to the proposed milk marketing order.
With our sincere gratitude,
Ed and Aileen Brandsma
Edaleen Dairy, LLC
Lynden , Washington
Rick Mallorie and Teri Kilgus
Mallorie's Dairy, Inc.
Silverton Oregon
Hein and Ellen Hettinga
Sarah Farms
Yuma , Arizona
Scott Highland and Alexis Smith Koester
Smith Brothers Farms, Inc.
Kent , Washington
For more information, go to www.keepmilkpriceslow.org
I hope to be able to keep our milk service for years to come at the reasonable rates we have now. I will continue to send mail and such to the appropriate folks, just to make sure they hear the voice of one of the people they represent.