Vermont ag officials say dairy relief critical

MONTPELIER, Vt. --Vermont agriculture officials say $54 million in federal assistance is needed to help the state's dairy farmers survive the next few months.

But the Bush administration is opposed to the plan and the outlook for the proposal is uncertain.

Agriculture Secretary Steve Kerr said a special state appropriation of $8.6 million would help the farmers, but the federal money was the key.

"The big payoff is the $54 million," Kerr said. "That's what's going to buy feed for this winter. The $8.6 (million) is not going to buy feed for this winter. The 54 is."

Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat, tried to attach the emergency money to legislation that provided funds for Hurricane Katrina victims, but the president threatened to veto the bill unless the farm money was removed.

But Republican Gov. Jim Douglas said he felt the Bush Administration was warming up to the plan.

"The President needs to consider a lot of issues beyond the relatively modest amount we need for Vermont," Douglas said. "The deficit is coming down and that's good, but he's continuing to be fiscally responsible and has to consider all the different angles. But we need relief for our dairy farmers and I certainly hope that before all is said and done our Congressional delegation can make it happen."

It's likely to be some time before Congress considers the proposal.

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