"Keep Local Farms" program helping farmers

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - They're an iconic part of New England heritage, but would you be willing to fork over more money to save local dairy farms?

A non-government program is trying to help small New England dairy farmers survive industry consolidation.

"Keep Local Farms" is asking colleges and businesses to consider charging a little more for milk, with the extra money going directly to local farmers.

Some shoppers told 22News that's a cause they could get behind. Michael Gosselin of Chicopee said, “It isn't cheap to be self-employed and raise these cattle. So I'd be a strong supporter of an increase in my dairy products.”

Two thirds of all New England dairy farms have closed in the past 30 years because of rising costs of feed, fuel and labor.