This week, the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF’s) Board of Directors unanimously endorsed a proposal to modernize the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system. During their March meeting, they reached a milestone that caps more than two years of discussion and more than 130 meetings on different aspects of the proposal.
Chairman of NMPF’s Board of Directors, Randy Mooney, said “The plan to reinvigorate the FMMO system that guides milk pricing reflects an industry that’s evolved significantly since the last comprehensive revamp in 2000. It’s a proposal all dairy can get behind”. He said, “We look forward to leading a thorough, deliberative process as we submit this proposal to USDA and partner with our allies to modernize milk pricing in ways that serve dairy farmers and the entire industry.”
The board reviewed a package of changes initially developed and proposed by a task force of NMPF cooperative experts and later approved by the organization’s Economic Policy Committee. The adopted changes reflects the industry’s evolution while benefiting the farmers who form the bedrock of U.S. dairy.
NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern said the organization stands ready to assist farmers, the dairy industry and federal officials in any way it can as the process unfolds.
During the March meeting, NMPF Board members also discussed:
- The need to build upon an FDA proposal on plant-based beverage labeling that doesn’t go far enough to end the mislabeling of imitation products using dairy terms;
- Industry leadership in animal care, environmental stewardship, and workforce development through the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program;
- How sound policy can contribute to another record year of U.S. dairy exports; and
- Potential farm-bill priorities.