The CEOs of six large dairy exporters have asked Congress to reject the Dairy Security Act of 2011. In a letter sent to members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, they outlined what they see as the negative effects the act would have on domestic and global dairy markets. They say it should not be part of any deficit reduction negotiations. The committee subsequently took no action.

The letter was signed by executives at Davisco Foods International, Inc.; Glanbia Foods; Hilmar Cheese Company; Saputo Cheese USA Inc.; Sargento Foods Inc.; and Schreiber Foods, Inc.

Milk producers, meanwhile, are strongly backing the proposed legislation, which is now back in the House of Representatives. The National Milk Producers Federation says the bill would revamp and improve the farm-level safety net for milk producers. 

The Dairy Security Act of 2011 would establish a dairy producer margin protection program to protect dairy producer income by maintaining margins on the sale of their products. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry and  is awaiting action.