Larsen Applauds USDA Help for Dairy Farmers
For Immediate Release
Contact: Amanda Mahnke
(202) 225-2605
May 22, 2009
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) praised today’s announcement that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be providing relief through the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) for U.S. dairy farmers who are struggling with low prices.
“Today’s announcement by Agriculture Secretary Vilsack is welcome news for dairy farmers in my district and across the country,” said Larsen. “The Dairy Export Incentive program can provide a lifeline for American dairy producers struggling with low prices, while complying with U.S. commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO).”
As Congress crafted the 2008 Farm Bill, Larsen spoke in support of DEIP and the local dairy producers whose work it supports.
According to the USDA, DEIP helps exporters of U.S. dairy products meet prevailing world prices for their products. Under the program, the USDA pays cash to exporters as bonuses, allowing them to sell certain U.S. dairy products at prices lower than the exporter's costs of acquiring them. The major objective of the program is to develop export markets for dairy products where U.S. products are not competitive because of the presence of subsidized products from other countries.
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