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Delegation Targets Big Dairy

Burlington, Vermont - October 17, 2009

Allegations of anti-trust violations and price-fixing have big dairy processors facing Senate hearings, a federal lawsuit, and possible criminal prosecution.

Critics say a few powerful players control the milk market and have driven up consumer prices... while paying record-low prices to farmers. A group of farmers filed a lawsuit last week. Senator Patrick Leahy held a Judiciary Committee hearing last month. And both of Vermont's senators say criminal charges may be warranted.

"I think there's grounds to look at it very, very seriously and I think there's grounds to at least have them ask have you gotten monopolistic?" said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt).

"I believe you are going to see some vigorous activity and prosecution where there is anti-trust activity. 22:02 What the A-G's office is now doing is a step in the right direction and we're going to be demanding that they continue to go forward," said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt).

Lawyers with the anti-trust division of the U.S. Justice Department are investigating the big dairy processors and say they will bring charges if they find evidence of price-fixing.