WASHINGTON, D.C. — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the country’s leading cooperatives based on milk volume, traveled to Washington, D.C., this week. Farmers and staff members met with federal lawmakers and agency leaders to discuss current challenges facing the dairy community.
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The farmers had the chance to speak directly with Congressional representatives and share their experiences to advance issues important to Edge dairy farmer members.
“Dairy farming and agriculture in the U.S. are continually changing and evolving,” Heidi Fischer, Edge president, said. “That’s why it’s crucial for us to make our voices heard and to inform policymakers about what’s happening at the farm level.”
Meetings focused on Edge’s policy priorities, which include:
- Rural Workforce for Rural Prosperity — The dairy industry faces significant labor shortages, particularly in rural areas, making workforce accessibility and reliability a top policy priority.
- Farm Bill Advocacy — The 2025 farm bill will be an essential opportunity for Edge to advocate for ensuring accurate and timely payments for dairy farmers and to retool existing program adjustments needed to the Dairy Margin Coverage program, ensuring conservation programs are funded, voluntary and based on science, as well as maintenance to several dairy indemnity and donation programs. These programs can greatly affect our farmers’ ability to earn a living.
- Trade and Supply Chain — The Upper Midwest is a powerhouse for cheese production. Ensuring opportunities for dairy through existing, expanding or emerging markets is essential to healthy growth. New and expanded markets through new trade agreements, renegotiated trade agreements and enforcement of existing agreements provide opportunities for market access.
- Environmental Sustainability — Edge stands with our farmers in their commitment to seek effective and financially viable ways to protect and improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We believe environmentally focused policies affecting agriculture should be guided by farmers, grounded in science, driven by the marketplace and sufficiently flexible to allow for innovation at the farm level.
“To help us convey our position on these important priorities, we have developed teams of members who have deep interest and knowledge on one or all of our priorities,” Karen Gefvert, Edge director of government affairs, said. “The preparation and dedication of these members makes our efforts in D.C. more impactful.”
“These policy priorities will foster a productive partnership between Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and the lawmakers,” Gefvert said. “Together, Edge’s goal is to strengthen the dairy community and promote sensible agricultural policies.”
For more information about Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and its advocacy efforts, visit www.edgedairy.com.
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