A commission formed to find ways to help Vermont dairy farmers says the state shouldn’t take independent steps to increase farmers’ incomes because it could make farmers less competitive.
But the Vermont Milk Commission recommended that Vermont follow New York if it sets a premium on beverage milk or if it approves a minimum price for producers to pay farmers along with Pennsylvania.
The commission also urged lawmakers to rescind part of a new law that transfers milk hauling costs from farmers to purchasers.
Agriculture Secretary Roger Allbee says the law could have unintended consequences.
The commission has been looking for ways to help farmers in an unstable market.