FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 12, 1996
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) received word today that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be buying approximately 12.3 million pounds of dairy products for delivery to domestic distribution program outlets.
"I recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Glickman regarding my concerns over the recent fall in milk prices, and asked that USDA purchase in advance dairy products to meet the needs of the 1997 School Lunch and other Domestic Assistance Programs," Peterson said. "While I believe the collapse in prices is short term, I also believe there is an immediate need to aid dairy producers by stabilizing these prices, thus preventing further disastrous price swings which hurt both the producer and the consumer. I am pleased that USDA agreed with my concerns and acted on them.
"This move by USDA will help right now, but we still need to work to make long term changes to the program," Peterson said. "I am currently working on legislation to address the problems, and I hope the Agriculture Committee will look into it when the new Congress starts next year."