http://www.capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/issues/alert/?alertid=13273526


Action Alert

Organic Dairy Crisis
Tell HP Hood Not to Cut Family Farmers' Contracts! Urgent alert from the dairy farmers to organic consumers:Don't Let HP Hood Punish Farmers Fighting Production Cuts In late February, dairy giant H.P. Hood told eight Maine organic dairy farmers in Aroostook and Washington counties that their milk contracts would not be renewed. Hood then notified its remaining 14 contracted organic milk producers that they must cut their production this year by 15 percent.

Now, two major producers in central Maine also have been dropped by Hood: Richard Lary in Clinton, whose farm produces 11,000 pounds of milk every other day, and Mark McKusick in Dexter.

Both men have been outspoken against Hood’s practices, and Lary said Saturday he believes the pair are being punished by Hood for their active campaign against the production cuts.

Hood drops more organic dairy farms, Bangor Daily News, April 5, 2009

http://www.capwiz.com/grassrootsnetroots/issues/alert/?alertid=13273526

As an organic consumer, I am writing in support of organic dairy farm families who are fighting for their survival. I am concerned that companies like yours are lowering the price they pay farmers in order to fund increases in market share. What is more important to you, market share or the health and welfare of organic family farmers?

Many organic dairy farmers are now faced with the difficult decision to either take on more debt, cut back on essential household expenses, or sell their cows. It bothers me that the higher prices I pay for organic milk and dairy products doesn't ensure economic security for family farmers -- even with projected growth for organic dairy for 2009 at 7-10%. While most companies would be grateful for 10% growth in this economy, organic dairy companies like yours are firing their farmers or cutting their wages by 20%.

Organic dairy farmers are particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations. The majority of organic dairies are family operations where wholesale milk sales are the primary income. Since 2001, the average price paid to farmers for their organic milk has increased by only 29% while operational costs have increased by at least 50%. Price cuts will affect the bottom line by an average of $8,000 this year.

Please work with your farmers to negotiate better prices and improved contracts.