By Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director
On November 28, 2022 organic livestock advocates, buyers, processors and farmers sent a letter to Senate and House Appropriations and Agriculture Committee Leadership asking for emergency funding for organic livestock and poultry because of the catastrophic economic challenges faced by farmers. The seriousness of the problem is emphasized by the wide diversity of the groups that have signed on to the letter acknowledging the desperation across the country and the continuing loss of organic dairies. After six years of a pay price that is significantly lower than the costs of production, producers have no reserves left. Despite record retail prices, producer share of the organic retail price has dropped to 27%. Organic milk buyers say they cannot increase pay price to a level that can help organic dairies cash flow their operations. Contact Ed Maltby, NODPA Executive Director, for more information: 413-427-7323. or by email emaltby@comcast.net
