A new nationwide survey released today found that 81 percent of Americans agree that individual farmers should have the freedom to decide how much milk they produce and not have a limit set by government policy. The survey, which was conducted online last month among 2,094 adults by Harris Interactive on behalf of the International Dairy Foods Association, also found that 74 percent of Americans believe milk prices should be based on what consumers are willing to pay. Only nine percent think milk prices should be set by government policy.
“It’s clear Americans feel strongly that the federal government should stay out of the milk pricing business,” said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. “Dairy is a dietary staple and a primary source of essential nutrition to tens of millions of Americans. Artificially raising milk prices by manipulating the market, as proposed in the Farm Bill’s Dairy Security Act, hurts consumers and it hurts taxpayers,” she said.
Recognize Dairy Farmers Need Support
The majority of Americans recognize the need for the government to help dairy farmers in some way. The survey found 52 percent of Americans support providing financial assistance through government-subsidized insurance -- frequently referred to as margin or risk management insurance -- to protect farmers against catastrophic losses. Only eight percent say farmers should be helped by government policies that would keep prices higher by limiting how much milk farmers produce. Forty percent of Americans don’t support either option.
Current proposals in the Farm Bill would require farmers to limit the milk they produce in exchange for access to margin insurance. The Goodlatte-Scott Amendment, a proposal that would provide insurance coverage while not restricting farmers’ ability to decide how much milk they would produce, is expected to be considered when the House of Representatives takes up the Farm Bill.
“Goodlatte-Scott provides an option that benefits farmers, consumers and taxpayers,” Tipton said. The amendment represents an opportunity to allow dairy industry growth. It would not penalize dairy farmers if they increase production, and would help keep U.S. dairy product prices more competitive in the world market.”
Believe Milk Pricing Should Be Market-Based
The survey also found that 74 percent of Americans are not aware that government price-setting regulations already keep the price of milk at the store higher than the price would be without the regulations.
“Milk pricing is still based on outdated regulations developed in the 1930s that have no connection with today’s markets,” Tipton said. “The reality is that every time a family buys milk, they pay a surcharge and gain no added benefit.”
