“The initial phase of this project is identifying key components that need to be part of a strategic effort to grow Pennsylvania’s dairy industry,” Frey said. “We have begun the process of building a long-term plan for further developing dairy in the state, with an aggressive agenda to increase profitability among the state’s dairy producers.”

Two key committee recommendations brought before the task force were approved. The business management committee’s “milk quality” work group recommended the task force request support from the Pennsylvania Animal Health Commission to establish a “Milk Quality Commission” in response to an immediate need to improve milk quality and lower somatic cell count levels in the state. This new producer resource would serve as a central contact point for dairy producers to find help in improving milk quality.

The second approved recommendation came from the government and community relations committee that identified the need for full support of the center to be included in future state budgets. The committee asked that the task force play a lead role in advocating for this support. As a result, the task force agreed to make a formal request for renewed funding for the center in next year’s executive budget for the state.

The task force also voted to approve a belief statement relative to milk, dairy production and the recent discussions about product safety and the use of technology. The statement was introduced by Tioga County dairy producer and task force member Erick Coolidge.