Press Release of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer
| For Immediate Release: December 18, 2009 | Contact: Washington D.C. Office (202) 224-3553 |
Boxer Lauds USDA Cheese Purchase to Aid Struggling Dairy Producers
Washington, DC – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a $60 million cheese purchase to aid struggling dairy producers that was requested by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA).
Senator Boxer said, “This announcement of an expedited $60 million cheese purchase will benefit dairy producers in California who have been struggling to stay in business. These purchases will help both California dairies and low-income families who are trying to make ends meet.”
The FY2010 agriculture appropriations bill included $60 million to purchase cheese and other dairy products for USDA food programs as part of a $350 million emergency aid package to help dairy producers nationwide.
Senator Boxer met with Secretary Vilsack in her office in October and urged him to direct all $60 million toward the purchase of cheese to help ease the crisis affecting California dairy producers.
The USDA’s announcement that it is accelerating its purchases of cheese will help dairy producers struggling through tough industry-wide economic conditions.
These purchases also benefit families who need help the most. These products will be given to food banks, where demand is at an all-time high.
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