[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 71 (Thursday, June 9, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 9, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE NORTHEAST INTERSTATE DAIRY 
                                COMPACT

                                 ______


                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 1994

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to join my colleagues from across 
New England in support of legislation to establish the Northeast 
interstate dairy compact. This legislation is the culmination of years 
of hard work by the New England dairy farming community. I salute their 
efforts. These are men and women who are working dawn to dusk trying 
desperately to save their farms and the rural heritage of the region.
  This compact represents a unique Federal, State, and interstate 
partnership that has been approved overwhelmingly by every New England 
State legislature. One persuasive argument for enacting this 
legislation of this agreement will be the stability it will bring to 
the dairy industry in the region. No longer will farmers and consumers 
be subject to frequent fluctuations in dairy product prices. These 
price swings have played havoc both with farmers seeking to preserve 
their livelihood and with consumers trying to make the most of their 
hard earned dollars at the supermarket.
  Over the past decade, approximately 65 percent of the dairy farms in 
Rhode Island have shut down. This attrition rate threatens not only the 
supply of locally produced dairy goods, but also the rural character 
that contributes so much to the quality of life in New England.
  That being said, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
important legislation.

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