Agricultural Leaders of Michigan (ALM) is asking U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue for immediate aid for the U.S. dairy and pork industries. A letter sent today outlines a dire need for the USDA to provide support and aid to dairy and pork industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We are deeply concerned about the livelihood of our dairy farmers. They simply cannot withstand the prices future markets are predicting, following five years of depressed markets.” Joe Diglio, President and CEO, Michigan Milk Producers Association said. “Without assistance, there is a significant chance remaining dairy farms will not be able to produce enough milk to meet demand when the current crisis has passed.”
The dairy and pork industries are on the edge of collapse due to the continued spread of COVID-19. It is estimated the gross industrywide loss for the dairy and pork industries will be upwards of $9 billion combined. Dairy and pork farmers, unlike other sectors of the economy, cannot shut down as they are responsible for the management and care of hundreds of thousands of animals.
“Many pork producers, the vast majority of which are family-run farming operations, will go out of business, causing economic dislocation throughout rural America without this much-needed aid,” Mary Kelpinski, CEO, Michigan Pork Producers Association said. “The financial situation of U.S. hog farmers is perilous, and their livelihoods are at stake. Without intervention, we are looking at a significant increase in hog farms going out of businesses, creating a dangerous risk to the food supply chain.”
ALM is asking the USDA to intervene with a comprehensive plan that ensures farmers survive this crisis by supporting a financial safety net, improving existing nutrition programs to address food insecurity, and maximizing international food aid.
The Agricultural Leaders of Michigan is a coalition of commodity and agri-business leaders committed to promoting Michigan agriculture, participating in the ongoing dialogue about issues affecting our industry and harnessing agriculture’s power and potential to further grow our state’s economy.