Seward: Farmers Need To Act For Dairy Aid

Applications are available for the state's Dairy Assistance Program enacted as part of the 2007-08 state budget, Senator James L. Seward said today. Seward, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, urged farmers to be sure that they file their applications by the April 27 deadline.

"The senate won $30 million in immediate help for our state's dairy farmers, who are being squeezed by higher prices for just about everything and falling milk prices," Seward said. "I urge farmers to get their applications filed as soon as possible so that we can get some financial help right out the door."

The program provides cash assistance to the state's dairy farmers based on the amount of milk produced in 2006. It will average $7,500 per dairy, with a cap of $16,000. It is intended to help dairy farmers get through the spring planting season in a time of plummeting milk prices. Approximately 500 dairy farmers have closed their barn doors in the last year.

Farmers can go to Seward's web site at www.senatorjimseward.com or http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us to download the application, or call 1-800-554-4501 to request one. Applications have also been sent to some dairy producers through their milk cooperatives or processors.

For approved applications filed by the deadline, the target date for payments to be mailed is May 9. -30-