WASHINGTON D.C.-Three weeks after the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) Program's expiration date, New England and Midwestern legislators were working to resuscitate the program, calling it a safety net for small farms.
The program, which in 2002 replaced the Northeastern Dairy Compact, was set to expire Sept. 30. Some last minute moves to renew the program in early October stalled when western lawmakers objected to MILC's inclusion in a proposed budget reconciliation package. But as this issue went to press, Sen. Charles Schumer of N.Y. helped get a scaled-back extension approved by a key Senate panel.
IDFA opposes continuation of the program, instead supporting changes in the way the USDA manages the Dairy Price Support Program. Ben & Jerry's, however supports MILC, and is even offering customers a way to ask their legislators to support it via the Ben & Jerry's website.
