Vegan to NY Gov: “Stop Subsidizing Cheap Milk”

Animal-rescue organization Farm Sanctuary founder Gene Baur recently penned a letter to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo demanding that he discontinue milk subsidies at the Great New York State Fair. Since 1983, a milk stand at the annual fair has sold seven-ounce cups of milk for 25¢ each—a price that is maintained today with the help of $90,000 of state money. “The dairy industry in New York and across the US has received decades of unwarranted government support,” Baur said, “and the health of our nation has suffered as a result. If you are interested in supporting agriculture, please promote fruits, vegetables, and other healthy plant foods.” Dairy industry subsidies with taxpayer money are not uncommon, as the government has paid the US Dairy industry $5.6 billion during the past decade. Most recently, the threat of the booming dairy-free industry—expected to grow to more than $35 billion by 2024—has prompted a bipartisan congressional contingent to demand a bailout for fledgling dairy farmers.