Agropur Comes to the Rescue of Grassland's MN Dairy Farms
Although a large number of Wisconsin dairy farms are still looking for markets
for their milk after being cut from Grassland Dairy Products, a handful of
producers from Minnesota have found a resolution thanks to a Candian-based
dairy processor. A spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture confirmed
that Grassland has agreed to renew contracts with at least eight Minnesota
operations and sell that milk to Agropur Inc.
Reports say that milk from those dairies will likely be sent to Agropur's U.S.
division, located in Saint Paul. Another 15 Wisconsin farms affected by the
Grassland decision to cut dozens of patrons by May 1 were considering similar
offers this week. But it's estimated that more than 20 other farms will not
likely have a buyer for their milk before Monday's deadline.
Dairy industry officials are blaming new milk pricing policies in Canada--which
are meant to stop ultra-filtered milk from being shipped into that country--as
the main culprit for the processors' decision to drop some of its farms.
On Wednesday, more than 60 members of Congress sent a letter to President
Donald Trump asking him to 'take swift action to hold Canada to its trade
commitments' in the dairy trade dispute.
Meanwhile, several farm organizations responded to media reports late Wednesday
after hearing that the Trump Administration is considering a withdrawal from
the North American Free Trade Agreement. Most of those groups urged the White
House to 'use caution' because the two-decade old policy has led to strong
trade relationships with customers in both Canada and Mexico.
President Trump has been critical of NAFTA since he first ran for office and
blamed Canada for breaking its trade obligations when the milk issue arose
earlier this month.