WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Agriculture Committee Members Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) and Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) introduced the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Act. This bill will authorize an additional $16 million per year for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII), which supports dairy businesses in development, production, marketing, and distribution.
“Wisconsin’s dairy farmers are the backbone of our state’s agricultural economy,” said Rep. Van Orden. “The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives Act gives our farmers the tools they need to remain competitive and successful and ensure their ability to continue feeding the world.”
“The Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives strengthen farmers and processors, providing greater stability in our nation’s food supply chain,” said Rebekah Sweeney, Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Senior Director of Programs & Policy. “Wisconsin dairy industry leaders appreciate Congressman Van Orden’s continued support for this program, and we will work hard alongside him to secure the funding necessary to maintain its impact – and multiply the successes it has delivered across America’s Dairyland.”
“Representative Derrick Van Orden continues to champion the American dairy industry with this legislation,” said Adam Warthesen, Organic Valley Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs. “There are hundreds of dairy processors, both big and small, across the nation that have benefited from the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. These are businesses creating jobs and moving milk up the value chain. We at Organic Valley look forward to working with the Congressman to realize funding for this dairy infrastructure grant program.”
“We thank Representatives Van Orden and Carbajal for their continued bipartisan leadership in strengthening the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program. Dairy has a storied history of pioneering effective new products and practices as dairy farmers and their cooperatives work to supply the U.S. and the world with nutritious, sustainably produced food. This program helps support researchers and their industry partners working to drive this innovation forward,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of National Milk Producers Federation.
To read the full bill text, click here.
Comments