Herb Kohl: “I rise today to join Senator Feingold to introduce the ``Dairy Promotion Fairness Act.'' This measure will further our…”

“I rise today to join Senator Feingold to introduce the ``Dairy Promotion Fairness Act.'' This measure will further our nation's dairy marketing board's efforts to promote the consumption of healthy dairy products produced by family dairy farms and to fund research critical to the development of new dairy products. This effort is needed as a matter of fairness to our nation's dairy farmers. When enacted, our legislation will require that all dairy producers whose products are sold in the United States contribute to the promotional effort. Currently, domestic producers of dairy products like cheese, butter, and yogurt, all pay a promotional fee to help promote the dairy products produced in this country. Importers do not pay this fee. I was extremely surprised to find out that dairy producers can import these goods into the United States and not contribute to the promotional sales efforts sponsored by our domestic industry. This change will require those selling incoming products to contribute the same assessment as the domestic dairy farmers do. This bill supports the dairy marketing board's efforts to educate consumers on the nutritional value of dairy products. It also treats our farmers fairly--by asking them not to bear the entire financial burden for a promotional program that benefits importers and domestic producers alike.”