The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement opening the full allocations under the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP) for the July 2008 – June 2009 year. On behalf of America’s dairy industry, NMPF and USDEC expressed deep appreciation to Secretary Vilsack for his dedication to supporting dairy … Read More
Dairy Groups Stand Up for Flavored Milks
Leaders of the two major dairy industry groups jointly rejected a suggested federal excise tax on flavored milk drinks, such as chocolate and strawberry, that contain sugar-based sweeteners. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) say flavored milk is part of the solution to the child obesity problem, not a cause, and its consumption needs … Read More
USDA Announces Assesment to Imported Dairy Products
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) hailed the announcement today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that it will finally apply the dairy promotion checkoff to imported dairy products, 25 years after the national 15 cent checkoff was first applied to U.S.‐produced milk. On Monday, the USDA published a proposed rule spelling out how it will calculate and assess the … Read More
Nominations Sought for National Dairy Promotion Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking nominations from dairy producers and farm organizations for candidates to serve on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Nominations must be submitted by June 5. The Secretary of Agriculture will appoint 12 individuals from those nominated to succeed members whose terms expire Oct. 31, 2009. The secretary will appoint one member per … Read More
Vilsack Announces School Meal Grant Programs
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced more than $300,000 in grant awards to eight state agencies to conduct administrative reviews of school meals programs. The Administrative Review and Training Grants support states in their efforts to increase operational accuracy in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. “The National School Lunch and Breakfast programs are essential to the well-being of … Read More
Pa. Gov. Asks Court to Overturn Rule
Pennsylvania’s Governor Ed Rendell has asked a court to overturn a state board decision that ruled out an extra charge on packaged milk produced in Pennsylvania and sold in New Jersey. Rendell and Pa. Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff filed a lawsuit last week in Commonwealth Court that challenges the Milk Marketing Board’s April 1 decision. The two said in the … Read More
Farm Aid Urging You to Take Action to Save Dairy Farmers
Willie Nelson and his Farm Aid foundation is urging everyone to take action now to help dairy farmers by sending a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. According to the Farm Aid website: “America’s dairy farmers are rapidly disappearing, and we need your help to make sure they don’t lose everything they’ve ever worked for. Sign our letter to … Read More
Kansas Governor Vetos Milk Bill
To support Kansas dairy farmers and consumers, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed legislation concerning the labels on milk products. The bill, HB 2121, faced massive opposition from dairy, consumer, health, animal welfare and environmental organizations across the country; nearly 30 of which wrote a letter to Governor Sebelius, President Obama’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human … Read More
Pa. Introduces Path to Organic Program
Pennsylvania producers working to transition their conventional operations to certified organic farms may be eligible for help offsetting the costs of making the change, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today. The Path to Organic Program provides grants to farmers switching to certified organic production practices. The application deadline is July 31. “The Path to Organic grants are a significant investment … Read More
Kentucky Establishes Milk Commission
The state of Kentucky has created a state milk commission. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Steve Beshear on March 24. The next step is for Beshear to make appointments, which he is required to do by Aug. 1. The commission will be composed of consumers, retailers, processors, handlers or cooperative representative, producers and a representative from the … Read More