Vermont’s congressional delegation says the federal farm bill passed by the U.S. House is good news for Vermont.
The $290 billion bill, which the Senate is taking up for debate today, renews and expands the safety net that protects dairy producers when milk prices plummet.
The provision led by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy raises the percentage payment rate under the MILC program, from 34 percent to 45 percent, and would raise the size of herds covered by the program, from about 120 cows now to about 165.
The legislation also would provide record levels of funding and more access to farmland conservation programs to help in the cleanup of Lake Champlain.
Vermont’s food banks, Food Stamp and nutrition programs also would see greater support.