Press Release

ADDISON , VT — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) , a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee , today joined Organic Valley, dairy industry leaders, and organic dairy farmers for a roundtable discussion at Harrison’s Homegrown Organic Dairy Farm in Addison. At the event, Senator Welch discussed the Farm Bill and highlighted his bipartisan efforts to support Vermont’s dairy farmers and strengthen the state’s organic industry. “Vermont’s organic dairy industry is the best of the best—this is a proud Vermont tradition and an important part of our communities. It was a real joy to spend the afternoon at Harrison’s Homegrown with Melanie, Patrick, Organic Valley, and organic dairy farmers in Addison County. I’m fighting on the Agriculture Committee to provide more support for the Harrisons and farmers across our state, so they can keep farming for generations to come,” said Senator Welch after the event . “We have a real opportunity to improve the Farm Bill. Right now, this bill just doesn’t do enough to help Vermont’s small and family dairy, specialty crop, or organic farmers. I’ll keep working with my colleagues on the Committee to strengthen this bill.” View photos from the event below: Last week, Senator Welch filed 42 amendments to Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill, including amendments that would provide free access to the Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC) for eligible producers, improve data collection for organic dairy farmers, and help eliminate barriers for farmers entering the organics market. Senate Republicans’ partisan Farm Bill failed in Committee and will be considered again when the Senate returns to Washington next month. The Senator has championed legislation to expand federal support for organic dairy farmers and ensure fair prices for family dairies, including the bipartisan Domestic Organic Investment Act and the Organic Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Reporting Yields Act (O DAIRY) Act . The Senator also led 14 colleagues in introducing the Opportunities in Organic Act to reduce barriers to organic farming in Vermont. Senator Welch’s bipartisan bill, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act , was signed into law earlier this year. Senator Welch is the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit. Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media . ###