WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson Wednesday reminded local dairy producers that the enrollment period for the federal safety net program has been extended to June 22.

Thompson urged dairy producers to evaluate their participation in the new and improved Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), which will provide better protections for dairy producers from shifting milk and feed prices.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture previously extended the re-enrollment deadline through June 8. The deadline is being extended a second time to ensure that dairy producers are given every opportunity to make a calculated decision and enroll in the program if they choose.

This will be the last opportunity for producers to take advantage of key adjustments Congress made to provisions of the MPP-Dairy program under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 to strengthen its support of dairy producers. USDA encourages producers contemplating enrollment to use the online web resource at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation.

“USDA is extending the deadline a second time, and I encourage our local dairy producers to use this week-and-a-half extension to take a look and see if this is something that would benefit them,” Rep. Thompson said. “Many producers are experiencing additional financial hardship — especially in Pennsylvania after losing contracts. It is my hope that the improvements to the MPP-Dairy program will help producers during this uncertain time in the industry.”