Rod Grams: “Recently, I came to the floor to address Federal dairy policy, specifically focusing on an erroneous but often repeated…”

“Recently, I came to the floor to address Federal dairy policy, specifically focusing on an erroneous but often repeated claim that dairy compacts are necessary today to guarantee a supply of fresh, locally produced milk to consumers. During that time, I dealt with how this is a myth similar to urban legends that are assumed to be true because they are repeated so often. Another dairy myth that you may hear a great deal is that dairy compacts preserve small dairy farms. Mr. President, this is simply not true, and this afternoon I want to point out the reasons why it is untrue. The Northeast Dairy Compact sets a floor price that processors must pay for fluid milk in the region. Ostensibly, this is supposed to provide small farmers with the additional income necessary to help them survive during hard times. In its practical effect, it doesn't work that way at all. In fact, It has provided financial incentives for big dairy farms to get even bigger. Consider the cases of Vermont and Pennsylvania.”