Unless you are a member of one of California’s 1,700 hard-working dairy farming families, you probably didn’t know that USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack was recently in our state meeting with members of California’s agricultural community.  Last month, Secretary Vilsack was in Modesto to hear from dairy farmers who are being devastated by the challenging economic times.  In the past year alone, it is estimated that more than 200 California dairy families have been forced to close their doors and one Northern California county recently declared an agricultural emergency to allow farmers to receive federal disaster relief funds should they become available.

The California dairy industry, which is the leading agricultural commodity in the state, is responsible for nearly $7.39 billion in sales annually and supplies roughly 435,000 full-time jobs for California residents. 

At the town hall-style meeting, Vilsack outlined steps the USDA has already taken and will be considering to aid California and the nation’s dairy producers.  There are actions however, that consumers can take to help California dairy producers during these difficult times. 

First and foremost look for the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seals when purchasing milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products.  By purchasing products with these seals, you will know that you are buying the highest quality dairy products produced right here on California dairy farms by your neighbors and friends -- our local California dairy farmers.

And rest assured, California dairy farmers adhere and are committed to some of the strictest standards in product nutrition, sustainability and animal welfare, providing consumers with the best quality dairy products.

The USDA has also highlighted the importance of supporting your local farmers through its new “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative which was announced this week.  Supporting your local farmers can help stimulate local economies and ensure access to healthy nutritious food for you and your family.  To hear directly from some of California’s dairy producers about their operations, the pride they take in their work and the challenges they face every day, we invite you view the documentaries on our website at www.realcaliforniamilk.com/people and learn more about the people behind California’s dairy industry.

We encourage you to do your part to help your California dairy farmers and buy local, Real California dairy products.

Stan G. Andre
CEO
California Milk Advisory Board