[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 92 (Thursday, June 28, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S7090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. FEINGOLD (for himself, Mr. Craig, and Mr. Kohl):
  S. 1123. A bill to amend the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 
1983 to ensure that all persons who benefit from the dairy promotion 
and research program contribute to the cost of the program, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and 
Forestry.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues Senator 
Craig and Senator Kohl to introduce a modified version of the ``Dairy 
Promotion Fairness Act,'' which I introduced earlier this year. This 
legislation provides equity to domestic producers who have been paying 
into the Promotion Program while importers have gotten a free ride.
  I introduce a revised version of this legislation, after I received 
suggestions on how to improve this legislation from America's dairy 
farmers. Their input is vital to enacting effective dairy legislation, 
and I thank all the dairy producers of my State not only for their 
views, but also their work to strengthen Wisconsin's rural economy.
  Since the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board conducts only 
generic promotion and general product research, domestic farmers and 
importers alike benefit from these actions. The Dairy Promotion 
Fairness Act requires that all dairy product importers contribute to 
the program.
  Unlike other agricultural commodity checkoff promotion programs, such 
as beef, cotton and eggs, the dairy checkoff program collects funds 
solely from domestic producers. Importers of dairy products do not have 
to pay into the program, yet they reap the benefits of dairy promotion.
  I would also like to make sure my colleagues are aware that June is 
Dairy Month. This tradition of honoring our hard working dairy farmers, 
began as ``National Milk Month'' first held in the summer of 1937. 
Wisconsin celebrates this proud heritage every June by honoring our 
past accomplishments of Wisconsin as America's Dairy State.
  Wisconsin became a leader in the dairy industry after the first dairy 
cow came to Wisconsin in the 1800's and by 1930 it earned the nickname, 
America's Dairyland. Dairy history and the State's history have been 
intertwined from the beginning. The people of Wisconsin are defined by 
the image of dairy farmers: hardworking, honest and the heirs of a 
great tradition.
  I would like to share with you some of the accomplishments of 
Wisconsin's Dairy Farmers. Wisconsin is the No. 1 cheese-producing 
State in the country, with 28 percent of the total annual U.S. cheese 
production. Wisconsin's 130 cheese plants produce more than 350 
varieties, types and styles of Wisconsin cheese.
  We produce more than 2 billion pounds of cheese annually. We have 
more licensed cheese makers than any other state with some of the most 
stringent state standards for cheesemaking and overall dairy product 
quality. We lead the nation in the production of specialty cheeses, 
such as Gorgonzola, Gruyere (gru-yure), Asiago, Provolone, Aged 
Cheddar, Gouda, Blue, Feta and many others. In fact, we are the only 
producer of Limburger cheese in the country.
  Colby, Wisconsin is the home Colby cheese. And Brick cheese was 
invented in Wisconsin, Brick is named for its shape, and because cheese 
makers originally used bricks to press moisture from the cheese.
  Wisconsinites have recognized this proud tradition by holding over 
100 dairy celebrations across our State, including dairy breakfasts, 
ice cream socials, cooking demonstrations, festivals and other events. 
These events are all designed to make the public aware of the quality, 
variety and great taste of Wisconsin dairy products and to honor the 
producers who make it all possible.
  We must follow the lead of Wisconsin, and honor our dairy farmers by 
passing this legislation and halting the free ride dairy importers 
currently receive.
  The Dairy Promotion Fairness Act supports the dairy marketing board's 
efforts to educate consumers on the nutritional value of dairy 
products. It also treats our farmers fairly by asking them not to bear 
the entire financial burden for a promotional program that benefits 
importers and domestic producers alike.
  We have put our own producers at a competitive disadvantage for far 
too long. It's high time importers paid for their fair share of the 
program.
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