The National Milk Producers Federation’s Federal Order task force met for the first time this week in Chicago. The goal of the committee is to try to improve the existing Federal Milk Marketing Order system
The fourteen member of the task force discussed what types of changes will most benefit dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own, along with milk processors.
Dave Fuhrman, CEO of Foremost Farms of Baraboo, WI, and task force chairman noted that the task force members did all concur that the industry is better with the Federal Order system than without it, and their efforts would focus on building up the system, not dismantling it. He also said that a self-help effort such as this one, undertaken by NMPF, “is preferable to a government-mandated one,” which is what some in Congress are discussing. “What we do here will have a real-world impact on the dairy sector,” Fuhrman said.
The task force agreed that deadlines need to set for the Federal Order hearing process. All members expressed concern over the length of time it takes from point at which a request for a hearing is filed with USDA, to a final decision being issued. The ongoing hearing examining Class III and IV manufacturing allowances is an apt illustration of how long such hearings can take, task force members agreed.
“The plan is to expand participation in this process to others in the industry, with the goal of being able to move forward with improvements to the Federal Milk Marketing Order system in a year,” said Jerry Kozak, NMPF President and CEO.