Opinion: US Dairy Subsidy Move Seen as Backward Step

Amanda NolzDairy Business

Dairy producers, your opinions are wanted! I ran across an article written by Ray Lilley with the Associated Press in Forbes Magazine, “US Dairy Subsidy Move Seen as Backward Step,” and I want your thoughts on this issue.

Australia and New Zealand on Monday condemned a U.S. decision to reintroduce export subsidies on dairy products as a step toward trade protectionism. The move under the U.S. Dairy Export Incentive Program followed the European Union’s reintroduction of export subsidies in January, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Saturday, adding that the program applied to 112,000 U.S. tons (102,000 metric tons) of mainly milk powder, butter and cheese.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said the “very unhelpful move” was at odds with Obama’s position that the U.S. opposed protectionism. While the U.S. and EU may be acting within their current WTO commitments, their moves on dairy subsidies sent a negative signal to other WTO members.

3 Comments on “Opinion: US Dairy Subsidy Move Seen as Backward Step”

  1. Nonsense. New Zealand was just enjoying a dairy export boom as the US government let DEIP languish and let our farmers swing in the breeze of world climate. We obviously need it and if it is legal under WTO, then I am glad it has been reinstated.

  2. Nonsense. New Zealand was just enjoying a dairy export boom as the US government let DEIP languish and let our farmers swing in the breeze of world climate. We obviously need it and if it is legal under WTO, then I am glad it has been reinstated.

  3. Nonsense. New Zealand was just enjoying a dairy export boom as the US government let DEIP languish and let our farmers swing in the breeze of world climate. We obviously need it and if it is legal under WTO, then I am glad it has been reinstated.

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