LD 1753, which allows for an adjustable milk handling fee that will go up if the price of milk falls, is now headed for Gov. John Baldacci's desk.

A bill that aims to help Maine's dairy farmers close the gap between the cost of producing milk and the price they get for it is headed for Gov. John Baldacci's desk.

The Maine Senate today gave final approval today to a measure that would hike the state's milk handling fees, following similar action in the House. Baldacci supports the measure.

The bill allows the milk handling fee to adjust to changing milk prices. The minimum fee of 4-cents a gallon can rise to as much as 84-cents under the measure.

The bill is aimed at helping the state's dwindling number of dairy farmers stay in business.