Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced today the formation of the first-ever Congressional Dairy Farmer Caucus.  Larsen will co-chair the bipartisan group of lawmakers that will represent dairy producing regions across the country.

The new caucus will focus on developing and promoting policy issues that are in the best interest of a healthy national dairy industry.

“Washington state has a rich dairy history. As a representative with a significant number of dairies in my district, I am proud to be a co-chair of the Congressional Dairy Caucus,” Larsen said.

The caucus will help Members of Congress work together to address emerging issues of importance to dairy producers and consumers, a goal that will be particularly important as Congress begins to write the next Farm Bill.

“I look forward to working with the dairy industry and my colleagues on the Caucus to identify and address areas of importance, raising awareness of dairy issues across the U.S.” Larsen continued.

The caucus will be co-chaired by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA), Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Randy Kuhl (R-NY) and Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

The milk produced by America’s 65,000 dairy farmers represents the second largest agricultural commodity industry in the United States by value. Milk accounted for about $27 billion of cash receipts for producers in 2005.

Congressman Larsen represents Washington’s 2nd Congressional District, home of approximately 350 dairy farms, and is the only member from the state serving on the House Agriculture Committee.

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