Dear Colleagues –

In the near future, we will reintroduce three initiatives designed to help Pennsylvania’s struggling dairy farmers. Taken together, these efforts are a comprehensive response to the challenges facing our dairy farmers. We would welcome your cosponsorship on these proposals.  In the 2021-22 session, these initiatives enjoyed the support of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board, and a number of agricultural and dairy-focused organizations across the Commonwealth.

SUMMARY

#1 – Keystone Opportunity Dairy Zones – This legislation, similar to the Keystone Opportunity Zone program, would provide tax incentives to locate new dairy processing plants in Pennsylvania, encouraging markets for Pennsylvania milk.  This bill passed the House several years ago 198-0 but was not considered in the Senate.
 
#2 – Whole Milk in Pennsylvania Schools Act – This legislation would ensure Pennsylvania school children have access to Pennsylvania-produced whole milk.  This bill passed the House several years ago 196-2 but was not considered in the Senate.
 
#3 – Transparency and Accountability on Milk Marketing Board Over-Order Milk Premiums – This legislation gives the MMB the ability to coordinate the collection and distribution of MMB milk premiums to ensure these consumer-paid premiums actually get to Pennsylvania Dairy Farmers.  Similar legislation passed the House 196-0 several years ago but did not receive final consideration in the Senate.

Your support of these initiatives would be greatly appreciated.