§ 2-10-201 - Findings -- Intent.
2-10-201. Findings -- Intent.
(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) The State of Arkansas is at risk of losing its dairy industry if immediate legislative action is not taken to reduce the sharp decline in the number of its dairy farms; and
(2) The loss of the dairy industry in Arkansas will result not only in the demise of dairy farming but also in significantly higher milk cost to Arkansas's citizens, including its children, and a loss of jobs in the processing of milk products.
(b) The intent of this subchapter is to:
(1) Prevent harm to Arkansas's consumers and dairy industry;
(2) Establish the Dairy Stabilization Program, which will safeguard the interests of dairy producers in this state;
(3) Ensure that dairy producers receive fair market breakeven prices;
(4) Provide consumers a continuous and affordable supply of Arkansas-produced fluid milk and other dairy products;
(5) Reverse the loss of dairy farms in the state;
(6) Significantly curtail the increase in milk prices to the consumer by helping to ensure in-state production; and
(7) Maintain and potentially increase jobs in the processing of milk products by stabilizing prices to dairy farmers.