Senator Tammy Baldwin and Representatives Jared Huffman and Chellie Pingree led 25 colleagues in a bipartisan, bicameral letter asking Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack for immediate assistance for organic poultry and dairy producers. “We’re writing on behalf of the organic and poultry sectors to request emergency relief in response to skyrocketing feed costs that are impacting the future viability of this industry,” the letter says. “The situation is dire and requires your immediate response.” International trade challenges specific to the organic sector, persistent drought, and the lack of a stable domestic supply of certified organic feed combined to create a dire economic situation for organic livestock farmers for the past two years. They also point out that year-over-year price spikes in the cost of feedstuffs are now creating unsustainable circumstances that could lead to further farm closures, reduced competition, and ultimately limit consumer choice. If not addressed, the impact could be devastating.
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