Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, has joined a group of Republican and Democratic colleagues from New York in urging Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to make milk an agricultural commodity eligible under the Federal Crop Insurance program.

This would allow North Country dairy producers to participate in the Federal Crop Insurance Program which provides yield and revenue insurance, a statement from the congresswoman’s office said.

Stefanik's 21st congressional district covers St. Lawrence County.

The letter to Secretary Purdue says, in part, “We respectfully request that the Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) utilize existing authorities to expand and enhance insurance products for dairy farmers. Milk, as a commodity, must be eligible for policies through the Federal Crop Insurance program.”