Bill Text - SJR1 (2010)

Urging the secretary of agriculture to review the Federal Milk Market Order system.


Revision: Jan. 12, 2010, midnight

SJR 1 – AS INTRODUCED

2010 SESSION

10-2879

08/03

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 1

A RESOLUTION urging the secretary of agriculture to review the Federal Milk Market Order system.

SPONSORS: Sen. Reynolds, Dist 2; Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 24; Sen. Merrill, Dist 21; Sen. Carson, Dist 14; Sen. Gallus, Dist 1; Sen. Houde, Dist 5; Rep. Sad, Ches 2; Rep. Haefner, Hills 27; Rep. S. Smith, Graf 7; Rep. Ladd, Graf 5; Rep. Ford, Graf 3

COMMITTEE: Wildlife, Fish and Game and Agriculture

ANALYSIS

This resolution urges the secretary of agriculture to review the Federal Milk Market Order system.

10-2879

08/03

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Ten

A RESOLUTION urging the secretary of agriculture to review the Federal Milk Market Order system.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

Whereas, almost all dairy farmers in New Hampshire and the rest of the country are paid for the milk they produce according to prices set by the Federal Milk Market Order system; and

Whereas, the Federal Milk Market Order system is malfunctioning, as evidenced by the cyclical nature of the price it dictates for dairy producers and that for the last year, the price received by the dairy producer according to the Federal Milk Market Order system is equal to 1/2 of what it costs to produce the milk; and

Whereas, New Hampshire dairy farmers and dairy producers are among the most efficient in the country; and

Whereas, New Hampshire is in great danger of losing its 126 remaining dairy farms because the low prices they receive under the Federal Milk Market Order system make it impossible to sustain the loss in profits; and

Whereas, New Hampshire’s small herd dairy farmers and producers are in financial trouble, not due to irresponsible management, but because the prices set by the Federal Milk Market Order system make it impossible for them to profit on the milk they produce; and

Whereas, the cause of the drop in the Federal Milk Market Order system price is due, in part, to the sudden reduction in foreign demand for milk, not overproduction or low demand in the United States; and

Whereas, the loss of New Hampshire’s dairy industry would also result in the loss of thousands of acres of open land, the loss of jobs and business that pay taxes and wages, the loss of a local source of great tasting, safe, and fresh milk, cheese and other dairy products, and the significant negative effect on other related businesses and industries; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in general court convened:

That the general court appeals to the United States Secretary of Agriculture to immediately open a complete and thorough review of the Federal Milk Market system, determine the root causes of its negative effects on dairy farms in general and small family farms in particular, and take remedial action to correct such shortcomings in the system; and

That the general court requests that the Secretary’s review of the federal pricing structure ought to include the total cost to produce and ship raw milk from dairy farmers and producers to dairy processors. Such costs include fuel, feed, fertilizer, stop and hauling charges, labor, cost of money, and reasonable compensation for the dairy producers’ labor; and

That a copy of this resolution be transmitted by the senate clerk to the secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture.