Patrick Leahy: “We have worked out an understanding regarding a study of the Northeast Dairy Compact and regarding milk pricing…”

“We have worked out an understanding regarding a study of the Northeast Dairy Compact and regarding milk pricing practices as they effect consumers. The Director of OMB will do a study on dairy, retail store, wholesaler and processor pricing in New England. Many Senators are very concerned, and I have not found one who is not, that when the price that farmers get for their milk drops that the retail price--the consumer price--often does not drop. Wholesalers or retail stores appear to be simply making more profits at the expense of farmers. This is one issue we are very interested in. Also, the price of milk in New England, in the South, in the Midwest, and in the West is supported by a variety of milk marketing orders.”