Local dairy fight really about free market system

The Sun - Yuma, AZ
October 19, 2006

Don't tell a local dairyman that you can't fight the system.

Hein Hettinga, who owns Sarah Farms here, is determined to run his dairy business the way he thinks it should be run. And that is why he is filing a lawsuit against the federal government to reverse legislation that forces him to participate in a farm program.

At the center of the dispute is federal milk marketing program. Most milk in America is processed by dairy cooperatives operating under a federal dairy marketing program. Fees paid by the dairy cooperative members cover the cost of the program and marketing costs. It is characteristic of the farm protectionism that dominates national agriculture policies.

Hettinga doesn't want to have his milk processed by the state cooperative. He started fighting a requirement several years ago that independent processors be forced to join the federal program. By processing and marketing his own milk he was able to sell at a lower price.

It appeared that his fight had come to an end earlier this year when a law was passed requiring a number of independent producers, including Sarah Farms, to join the cooperative or pay federal marketing fees.

But Hettinga has decided not to give up the fight. He has filed a lawsuit to reverse the legislation, claiming that it violates his constitutional rights. It appears he may have a good case.

The Constitution prohibits legislation aimed at individuals or small groups, and it was clear that Hettinga was the primary target of the law, as indicated by testimony in Congress.

Hettinga represents the spirit of capitalism and the free market system. Competition is what fuels America 's economic system. It ensures that consumers will get products they want at a price they are willing to pay.

The federal dairy marketing program is anti-competitive and Hettinga has the entrepreneurial spirt to keep fighting it.

Copyright (c) 2006, The Sun, Yuma , Ariz. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com , call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303 , Glenview , IL 60025 , USA .

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