HARTFORD – In response to today’s announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it will purchase $20 million worth of surplus dairy products to help stabilize the dairy market, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) urged USDA to do more to help dairy farmers. Farm milk prices have dropped almost 40%in the last few years—meaning Connecticut dairy farmers are struggling to bring in the revenues they need to stay afloat. Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 authorizes the USDA to use fiscal year 2016 funds to purchase surplus food for food banks and for families benefiting from nutrition assistance programs.

“This is a step in the right direction, but the reality is dairy farmers need more,” said Murphy. “While I applaud USDA for continuing a long history of supporting local food banks and taking steps to stabilize the dairy market, it doesn’t do enough to help our state’s farmers. I urge Secretary Vilsack to take additional steps that will give Connecticut dairy farmers a real, tangible boost.”