Costa Statement on USDA Program to Help Dairy Producers

WASHINGTON,D.C. – Followingtoday's announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture on a newDairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment program, Congressman Jim Costa(D-Fresno) released this statement.

"OurValley's dairy producers are the best in the nation and California has beenground zero for the major meltdown in the industry. I met with SecretaryVilsack in February of this year to discuss the crisis facing our dairyproducers. Today's announcement by USDA to create a new Dairy EconomicLoss Assistance Payment (DELAP) program offers almost no viable assistance toour dairy producers. In fact, it's a slap in the face to every dairyproducer in California. California leads our country in dairy production;we produce almost 25% of America's milk, cheese and cream, yet California willreceive approximately 10% of the assistance. The payments most dairyfamilies will receive won't even cover a month's feed bill, let alone helpdairy producers obtain a new line of credit at the bank. I receivedassurances that the assistance USDA provided would be distributed fair andequitably. I don't know a dairyman in my district who believes this is fair forCalifornia.

"It'sunclear if USDA understands the complexities of California agriculture. Iam thoroughly disappointed how USDA designed this program, and I will ensureSecretary Vilsack hears from me and from each and every dairy producer in theSan Joaquin Valley."