GREEN BAY, Wis. — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative extends congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her appointment to the position of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary. We look forward to collaborating with her to advance the interests of dairy farmers and the broader agricultural community.
“We are eager to work alongside Secretary Rollins to address the challenges and opportunities facing our industry,” said Tim Trotter, CEO, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative. “We believe our priorities align closely with Secretary Rollins’ vision, and we are optimistic about the positive impact our joint efforts can achieve.”
Edge’s policy priorities include:
- Rural Workforce for Rural Prosperity — The dairy industry faces significant labor shortages, particularly in rural areas, making workforce accessibility and reliability a top policy priority.
- Farm Bill Advocacy — The 2025 farm bill will be an essential opportunity for Edge to advocate for ensuring accurate and timely payments for dairy farmers and to retool existing program adjustments needed to the Dairy Margin Coverage program, ensuring conservation programs are funded, voluntary and based on science, as well as maintenance to several dairy indemnity and donation programs. These programs can greatly affect our farmers’ ability to earn a living.
- Trade and Supply Chain — The Upper Midwest is a powerhouse for cheese production. Ensuring opportunities for dairy through existing, expanding or emerging markets is essential to healthy growth. New and expanded markets through new trade agreements, renegotiated trade agreements and enforcement of existing agreements provide opportunities for market access.
- Environmental Sustainability — Edge stands with our farmers in their commitment to seek effective and financially viable ways to protect and improve water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We believe environmentally focused policies affecting agriculture should be guided by farmers, grounded in science, driven by the marketplace and sufficiently flexible to allow for innovation at the farm level.
We believe these shared priorities will foster a productive partnership between Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and the USDA under Secretary Rollins’ leadership. Together, we aim to strengthen the dairy industry and promote sensible agricultural policies.
About Edge:
Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, one of the largest dairy cooperatives in the country, amplifies the voice of milk in Washington, D.C., working toward sensible and sustainable dairy policies and regulations. The cooperative represents dairy farmers throughout the Upper Midwest and is committed to the growth and prosperity of its members and the dairy community. For more information, visit edgedairy.com.
Comments