Klobuchar Statement on Minnesota Dairy Producers Reaching Contract Agreements

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar issued the following statement after reports that all Grassland-affected Minnesota farms that lost contracts on the heels of new Canadian dairy regulations, which took effect in February in most provinces, have reached an agreement with the company.

"This is welcome news for Minnesota farmers and will help keep our rural economy strong. And while all Minnesota dairy producers impacted by the Canadian regulations now have the certainty they need to stay in business, we must ensure that dairy producers across the country are competing on a level playing field. That means holding the Canadian government accountable to current trade agreements."

Last week, Klobuchar led Minnesota's Congressional Delegation in urging the President to support Minnesota dairy farmers through strong enforcement of our trade laws with Canada. Klobuchar is co-chair of the Canada-United States InterParliamentary Group.

As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a 2014 Farm Bill Conference Committee member, Klobuchar successfully pushed for key provisions in the current Farm Bill -- including measures to support rural development projects, conservation programs, agricultural research, and the Rural Energy for America (REAP) program. For years, Klobuchar has led a bipartisan push for the EPA to release a stronger RFS to support American jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. Last November, the former Administration released a stronger final rule for 2017, which will require a record amount of biofuel to be mixed into our transportation fuel supply next year. Klobuchar is also leading the bill in the Senate to remove legal barriers to Americans doing business in Cuba.

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