Harden announces dairy protection program enrollment
June 29, 2015 |05:47 PM
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that starting July 1, dairy farmers can enroll in the Agriculture Department’s Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016.
The voluntary program, established by the 2014 farm bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin — the difference between the price of milk and feed costs — falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.
Harden made the announcement while visiting Wolfe's Neck Farm and dairy school in Freeport, Maine.
“More than half of our nation’s dairy producers enrolled in the 2015 program, which exceeded our expectations for the first year of the program,” said Harden.
“We are confident that dairy farmers across the country will again take advantage of this safety net program for 2016,” she said. “USDA will continue outreach efforts, including partnering with cooperative extension services, to ensure dairy producers are fully informed about the protections that this safety net program can provide during periods of market downturns.”
The voluntary program, established by the 2014 farm bill, provides financial assistance to participating dairy operations when the margin — the difference between the price of milk and feed costs — falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.
Harden made the announcement while visiting Wolfe's Neck Farm and dairy school in Freeport, Maine.
“More than half of our nation’s dairy producers enrolled in the 2015 program, which exceeded our expectations for the first year of the program,” said Harden.
“We are confident that dairy farmers across the country will again take advantage of this safety net program for 2016,” she said. “USDA will continue outreach efforts, including partnering with cooperative extension services, to ensure dairy producers are fully informed about the protections that this safety net program can provide during periods of market downturns.”
