At its 105th Annual Convention in Denver last week, the National Farmers Union delegates pushed for more robust dairy support programs. Citing the impact to the family farmer, NFU criticized attempts by the administration to cut farm support programs, saying now is not the time to cut the farm safety net. Specific proposals included:
– Reject the President’s 2007 budget proposal
– Restore the Milk Income Loss Contract program funding
– Pass the Milk Import Tariff Equity Act to tax imports of MPC and other protein concentrates
– Reject proposed changes to the definition of milk and ice cream at the Food and Drug Administration
– Reject increases to the manufacturer’s make allowance
– Index the make allowance to commodity prices
– Encourage transparent pricing systems reflecting cost of production and replacing the CME pricing system.

NFU President Tom Buis said the proposed dairy policies would support the family farmer and were based on fairness and safety.