Over the past sixteen years, half of the dairy farmers in America have gone out of business. It’s not just because of a tough economy — they’re the victims of abusive tactics from a handful of giant corporations who have come to dominate the dairy industry.
In August 2006, an antitrust task force at the Department of Justice recommended action against Dairy Farmers of America (the nation’s largest dairy cooperative) and Dean Foods (the nation’s largest fluid milk processor). Yet, action was never pursued and dairy farmers are still waiting for meaningful change on the matter.
It’s time for Attorney General Eric Holder to move forward and take action to put a stop to abusive corporate practices and protect family farmers. With thousands more dairy farmers at risk of going out of business this year alone, there is no excuse for any more delays.
The crisis in the dairy industry may seem confusing, but the numbers tell it all. Since the mid 1980s, the gap between the farm milk price and retail milk price has steadily widened. Over the last 20 years, farmers have received less and less for their milk even though consumers have paid more at the grocery store. All that extra money goes to middlemen who are lining their pockets at the expense of dairy farmers and consumers.
The Department of Justice has repeatedly allowed unrestrained takeovers and market abuses in dairy at the expense of both America’s dairy farmers and consumers, and it’s time we put a stop to it.
Farm Aid and CREDO Action have joined together to find a solution for family farmers. Tell Attorney General Holder to follow through on the investigations of Dairy Farmers of America and Dean Foods before it’s too late.
source: http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/defend_dairy_1/?rc=dairyfa062310&tr=y&auid=6537771
