Congressman Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Derrick Van Orden | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) has reinforced support for the American dairy industry through his contributions to the House Committee on Agriculture’s Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, commonly known as the 'Farm Bill.' Representing one of the largest dairy states in the nation, Wisconsin's dairy farmers were a top priority for Congressman Van Orden in this year's legislation.
“I am incredibly proud of the work we did for our dairy farmers in the Farm Bill,” said Congressman Van Orden. “I made sure to talk directly with Third District farmers so that I could come to Congress and fight for policies that ensure they can keep their businesses innovative and operational, and that they can get their products to America’s families."
Van Orden expressed disappointment over the exclusion of an increase in funding for Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) to $36 million from the bill but vowed continued efforts. “While there were many great wins for our farmers, I am disappointed that the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives (DBII) increase to $36 million was not included in the bill. However, I am not giving up on our dairy farmers or cheese makers. I will not allow some administrative rule to get in the way of getting the DBII legislation through this Congress. Chairman Thompson has given me his word that he will bulldog this through, and I trust him. We will get this over the finish line.”
Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson praised Van Orden's leadership: “The House Committee on Agriculture has worked exhaustively to craft an effective Farm Bill that meets the needs of our hardworking farmers, revitalizes rural America, and strengthens our national security,” he said. “Thank you to Rep. Van Orden for his leadership throughout this process and his dedicated support for the dairy industry. I am confident that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 will provide certainty to producers and consumers in Wisconsin and across the nation.”
Rebekah Sweeney from Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association also acknowledged Van Orden's efforts: “While WCMA and many dairy business leaders seek express inclusion of boosted funding in the House bill, we appreciate Congressman Van Orden’s championship of DBII and trust that Chairman Thompson will work to secure $36 million in annual support necessary...to ensure farmers and processors can continue to expand their production.”
Gregg Doud from National Milk Producers Federation commended Van Orden's ongoing advocacy: “We commend Representative Van Orden for his continued efforts on the House Agriculture Committee to strengthen Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives...so we are grateful for his advocacy for increasing its authorization.”
Rep. Van Orden’s priorities within the 2024 Farm Bill include:
- Maintaining Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives with a commitment to increase funding levels by $16 million.
- The Dairy Farm Resiliency Act aimed at increasing Tier I coverage cap under Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
- The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act permitting schools more flexibility regarding milk offerings.
- Restoring Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) using a "higher-of" formula.
- Collecting cost-of-production data for organic milk via Organic Production Market Data Initiative.
- Allowing voluntary forward price contracts between farmers and handlers under FMMOs.
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