Posted: 04.12.2011

Members of the Dairy Business Association (DBA) traveled to Washington DC to meet with Representative Paul Ryan to discuss federal dairy policy program cuts and specific programs that will be cut or eliminated in the upcoming 2012 Farm Bill. 

"The title of 'Farm Bill' makes the public think all of the funding appropriated is for agriculture programs, when in fact, only 18 percent of the total is agriculture related," commented Laurie Fischer, Executive Director of DBA.  "The majority or 68 percent of the funding goes for nutrition programs and nine percent funds our conservation efforts." 

The Farm Bill is the primary action that establishes national food and agriculture policy.  It impacts international trade, farm payments, conservation programs, agriculture research, food safety, supplemental nutrition assistance programs and more.

"We are fortunate that Congressman Ryan is leading the effort to write a balanced federal budget.  He has been open minded and willing to listen to all of our suggestions. We really appreciate the time he took out of his schedule to listen to our ideas on needed changes in the next farm bill to best serve the Nation," commented Jerry Meissner, DBA President.  "We are proud of the work Paul is doing as chairman of the Budget Committee and representing Wisconsin in Washington, DC."

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