Three New England states combine forces to address crisis in dairy industry

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Richmond, VT) – This dairy operation – in Richmond, Vermont – has seen the Conant family through five generations of farming. Owner Dave Conant says he will be proud to pass the reins on to the sixth generation- his son. But he is also worried– with farms across the region on the verge of collapse. Dave Conant\Riverside Farms “Most of us need to see some relief, or immediate relief.” Some relief is on its way, agriculture officials from around New England announced Monday, not a complete fix. Gary \NE Dairy Promotion Bd: “But it is one tool in the tool kit.” The tool is the ‘Keep Local Farms’ program — a region-wide initiative that aims to funnel money directly from consumers to dairy farmers- Who are generally spending much more these days on milk production than they’re making, due to low milk prices. Roger Allbee\VT Sec. of Ag.: “Dairy farmers are struggling with what is the worst price I’ve seen in my lifetime.” Dairy farms in New England has been disappearing rapidly in the past two decades. In the early 90s there were about 6,000 farms in the region. Now there are fewer than 2,000… and the concern is that the number will keep dropping unless something is done.” Which is where ‘Keep Local Farms’ comes in. The program enables consumers to contribute money to a fund for northeast farmers– either through Keeplocalfarms.org, or by purchasing milk at a higher price at certain businesses. Diane Bothfeld\VT Dairy Policy Administrator: “The goal of the program is to provide some stability- not fill the whole gap of production costs and income.” The University of Vermont is the first to sign on to the program. Melissa Zelazny\GM, Sodexo: “The goal is to potentially give 10 cents of every container of milk we sell with Hood – 14 oz. milk – back to the farmer.” Melissa Zelazy of Sodexo, which runs UVM’s dining service, says students seem to be willing to spend a bit more if they know they’re supporting local farms. Massachusetts agriculture commissioner Scott Soares says he’s heard the same from consumers in the bay state. Scott Soares\MA Ag. Cmsr.: “The majority of product in MA comes from outside MA.” Dave Conant believes the new program will help simply because the public cares… Dave: “The community understands the state of the dairy industry.” And doesn’t want to lose any more family farms.