July 28, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC – With dairy farmers facing their worst financial crisis in 30 years, a bipartisan group of concerned Representatives will announce the revival of the Dairy Farmers Caucus tomorrow. Members will hold a press conference on Wednesday, July 29 at 10:00 AM in Room HC-7 of the United States Capitol to discuss the importance of the Caucus, which will advocate on behalf of the needs of our nation’s dairy farmers.
Media unable to attend the press conference will be able to participate by phone (details below).
This press conference will also stream live online at http://www.livestream.com/repcourtney.
Representatives of the National Milk Producers Federation will join the press conference for the announcement.
WHAT: Members of Congress to announce formation of Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus and address the crisis facing dairy farmers.
WHO: Congressman Joe Sestak, PA-07
Congressman Joe Courtney, CT-02, Co-Chairman
Congressman Peter Welch, VT – At-large, Co-Chairman
Congressman Tom Rooney, FL-16, Vice-Chairman
Congressman Chris Lee, NY-26, Vice-Chairman
Congressman Harry Teague, NM-02, Vice-Chairman
Congressman Chris Carney, PA-10
Mr. Jaime Castaneda, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Trade, NMPF
Ms. Dana Brooks, Senior Director of Government Relations, NMPF
WHERE: United States Capitol, Room HC-7
Washington, DC
CALL INFO: 866-805-2275 PARTICIPANT PASSCODE: 7783503
WHEN: Wednesday, July 29 at 10:00 AM
About the Caucus:
The Caucus will serve to educate members and their staff on issues of concern to the dairy industry while also serving as a means to build consensus on legislation impacting the dairy industry. Dairy farmers nationwide have suffered tremendously as milk prices have collapsed and milk production costs exceed the selling price. Prices have fallen approximately 50 percent this year and this Caucus will work with industry leaders, dairy economists, producers and processors to reach common sense bipartisan solutions to address the current dairy crisis. Historically, the dairy industry has been plagued by price volatility, but the current crisis threatens the future of the entire dairy industry.
Media Contact:
Jonathon Dworkin
jonathon.dworkin@mail.house.gov
610-892-8623