FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 1999
CONTACT: Rob Larew  202/225-2165

WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today introduced a bill to extend the dairy price support program through 2002.  "We need to protect our dairy farmers against large drops in price and show that we are committed to them through the term of the current farm bill," said Peterson.

According to Peterson, the Ranking Democrat of the House Livestock and Horticulture Subcommittee, the 1996 Farm Bill directed that dairy price support steadily decline and then expire at the end of this year.    Recent price drops and greater uncertainty throughout the dairy industry convinced Peterson that continued protection was necessary.  "I believe it was ill-advised to end dairy price support two years before the end of the farm bill," Peterson said.  "It makes no sense to end support for dairy sooner than other commodities."

Peterson gathered the support of twenty other Members of Congress to introduce the legislation.  "I appreciate the strong support we have now," said Peterson.  "The bill serves as common ground for legislators who may usually be torn with regional dairy politics. It is important that we show that this is a group effort, benefiting all our dairy farmers."  The level of support is expected to grow rapidly after the bill's introduction.

Peterson indicated that Congressman Richard Pombo, chairman of the subcommittee, agreed to work with him to develop the measure.  "The Chairman is a strong supporter of America's dairy farmers and I look forward to working with him on this important matter," said Peterson.

Peterson's district ranks in the top 1% of U.S. Congressional districts in the total number of dairy farm families.

[Original Cosponsors:  Reps. Holden, McHugh, Boehlert, Bishop, Condit, Kind, Baldwin, Gutknecht, Kaptur, Pastor, Calvert, Emerson, Thune, Stenholm, Obey, Watkins, Wise, Baldacci, Shows, and Clement.]

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