Diverse Group to Advise USDA on Dairy Industry
WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the appointment of 17 members to a federal Dairy Industry Advisory Committee.
8 January 2010
1 minute read
Over the next two years, the committee will review the issues of farm milk price volatility, dairy farmer profitability and consolidation, and offer suggestions on ways USDA can best address the needs of a struggling dairy industry.
Representatives will include: producers and producer organizations, processors and processor organizations, handlers, consumers, academia, retailers, and state agencies involved in organic and non-organic dairy at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
"USDA has worked tirelessly to assist dairy farmers during these tough times," said Secretary Vilsack.
"We've increased support prices under the Dairy Product Price Support Programme, reactivated the Dairy Export Incentive Programme, and bought 200 million pounds of nonfat dry milk for federal feeding programmes. This committee, whose members come from all aspects of the dairy industry, will work to find long term solutions to assist this struggling industry."
All members will serve two-year terms, beginning in January 2010, and expiring Jan. 1, 2012. The committee was expanded this year from 15 members to 17 and will hold its first meeting in early 2010.
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