The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee recently advanced two bills, sponsored by Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester/Lancaster), designed to assist the state’s struggling dairy industry.
House Bill 1223 would establish Keystone Opportunity Dairy Zones (KODZ). Milk processing facilities that qualify for the KODZ would be required to use primarily Pennsylvania milk in exchange for tax incentives. The facilities also would be required to create new jobs.
“While people are drinking less milk today, they are eating more yogurt, cheese, butter, ice cream, and other dairy products,” Lawrence said. “This legislation would encourage new and increased markets for Pennsylvania dairy farmers and enable Pennsylvania milk to be converted into value-added products that can be shipped throughout the country and around the world.”
The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (MMB), by law, establishes premiums built into the state-minimum price for milk sold in Pennsylvania.
The premiums are intended for the state’s dairy farmers, but a third of farmers did not know if they received any benefits.
House Bill 1224 would give the MMB the ability to coordinate with the Department of Revenue the collection and distribution of milk premiums.
The bill will increase transparency and accountability on premiums are collected and paid, Lawrence said.