Dairy producers in Maine and throughout the country have been adversely impacted by low prices and other circumstances which are largely beyond their control.
Many farmers are simply unable to obtain a reasonable price for their product.
Aid to farmers will be distributed through the Dairy Market Loss Assistance Program. All dairy farmers who produced milk during the last quarter of calendar year 1998 are eligible. Dairy farmers who did not participate in the program last summer must sign up at their local Farm Service Agency offices or USDA Service Centers from January 24 to February 28, 2000. Farmers who obtained assistance through last summer's program will automatically receive payments and do not need to reapply for aid. The dollar amount of payments will be calculated after the application period concludes.