Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene announced the start of a new risk management program for dairy farmers, known as the dairy Margin Protection Program, that she worked to include in the 5-year Farm Bill extension that passed earlier this year. This voluntary program allows dairy farmers to take steps to protect their business from economic risks beyond their control.

“I worked hard to ensure the Farm Bill we passed eliminated ineffective dairy programs and offered dairy producers this new voluntary, basic-level margin coverage and supply stabilization program,” DelBene said.  “This program will help stabilize the dairy market in ways that protect both consumers and dairy farmers.”

The Margin Protection Program, which replaces the Milk Income Loss Contract program, gives participating dairy producers the flexibility to select coverage levels best for their operation.  Congresswoman DelBene successfully fought to ensure that reduced premiums would be available to every farmer, regardless of how much they produce. See full letter HERE.  

Congresswoman DelBene also worked to establish the Dairy Product Donation Program in the 2014 Farm Bill. This program authorizes USDA to purchase and donate dairy products to nonprofit organizations that provide nutrition assistance to low-income families. Purchases only occur during periods of low dairy margins.

Visit FSA online at www.fsa.usda.gov/factsheets, or stop by a local FSA office to learn more about the Margin Protection Program or the Dairy Product Donation Program. Click HERE to locate your local FSA office. 

See the full announcement from USDA HERE.