A federal program that supplies dairy farms in New York state and across the country with extra money and protection is currently in limbo.

The Dairy Margin Protection Program was started by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer D- N.Y., in 2018. Schumer revealed in a meeting in Genesee County on Monday that the program that many farmers rely on will expire in September. Schumer stressed the importance of this program, saying he will not stop fighting to make sure it is renewed after September to continue to be able to support dairy farmers.

Schumer said in a press release following the meeting in Genesee County, that the upstate dairy industry could face a “dairy cliff” after the program expires in the coming months and that this lifeline federal program gives critical payments to dairy farmers every month. Schumer said that if the program were to cease it would force the feds to revert to a post-Great Depression era policy for the dairy industry, leading to devastating long-term impacts to farmers and consumers, causing billions in avoidable spending, and hitting families with increased milk prices. Schumer will launch his new push to protect this program as Congress begins negotiations for this year’s farm bill to ensure New York dairy farmers have the support and safety net they need.

Locally, Dick Kimball, Chautauqua County Farm Bureau president, said the program is a tool that is worth having.

“It’s basically insurance and the amount covers 90% of what farmers produce, specifically the class three, which is things like cheese, or four, ice cream and butter, portion,” Kimball said.

While the program is expensive, Kimball said in instances such as the price of milk decreasing by $8 or $9 per hundredweight last year, the program does help. He said there is a place for the program, and it is a good option to have. He added that he thought there was no reason why the program would not be renewed, and that it allows farmers the ability to “get bank for your buck.”

“I can’t see it not being renewed,” Kimball said. “It’s subsidized by the government (and) it’s a good tool to have. It is expensive for the government, but it’s cheaper than appropriations that would need to be made to farmers without it.”