U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb told an audience at a Politico Pro Summit on Tuesday in Washington that his agency will soon begin enforcing regulations that define milk as an animal product, not a plant-based food – an indication that the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) requests for action by the agency are being heard. After acknowledging that …
Enforcement of Labeling Regulations Critical
As the use of laboratory-based cell culture technologies to replicate naturally made foods continues to develop, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must first enforce its own existing regulations on the labeling of imitation products, according to the National Milk Producers Federation. At an FDA hearing focused on the regulation of cell-cultured products replicating meat, NMPF said that these …
Cooperative Wants Price Floors on Dairy Products
While low milk prices and a trade war continue to make things difficult for America’s dairy farmers, a northeast U.S. cooperative is asking the government to step in and help boost milk prices. Agri-Mark, which represents over 900 members, sent a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue asking him to implement price floors for butter, cheese, and nonfat dry milk. …
Dairy Farmers Still Fighting for Relief Dollars
Hurricane Irma tore through Florida nearly 10 months ago. Citrus was heavily impacted by the storm, as well as other industries, like dairy. In February 2018, a relief package was passed for Florida agriculture. Despite suffering extensive damage, dairy was left out of the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program (WHIP). So, what went wrong? Some dairy producers are still trying …
Canada Dairy Group Understanding of U.S. Frustrations
The largest dairy processor in Canada says President Trump “has a point” when it comes to dairy trade between the U.S. and Canada. Saputo Inc. told Reuters:“Canada should consider eliminating its Class 7 milk policy in order to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States.” The CEO says he understands “the frustrations,” adding, “quite frankly I …
Plant-Based Milk Alternatives Changing Dairy Market
A new report from CoBank predicts continued double-digit growth in the plant-based milk alternatives market. The report says sales are up 61 percent over the past five years, with slower growth of 15 to 25 percent projected by 2022. Meanwhile, cow’s milk consumption continues a decades-long slump. However, a CoBank spokesperson says the total volume of alternative milk is “relatively …
Secretary Perdue Comments on Canada Dairy Issue
While traveling to Canada last week, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and his Canadian counterpart spoke in unison supporting trade. Perdue visited the farm of Canada’s Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Friday. Speaking with reporters after the event, Perdue discussed Canada’s Dairy Supply Management System, targeted by the U.S. dairy industry as a priority to address through the North American Free Trade …
Agri View: Holstein Cows
Everett Griner talks about Holstein cows in today’s Agri View. Everett fills us in about what really distinguishes these cows from others. Holstein Cows I don’t know how many breeds of cows there are in the world, but I know that the Holstein is the most recognizable. Their black and white markings make them easy to recognize them. It is …
Senate Agriculture Committee Approves Farm Bill
Enhances Dairy Safety Net The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) commended the leadership of the Senate Agriculture Committee for crafting a bipartisan Farm Bill that contains beneficial provisions for America’s dairy farmers. Following passage by a margin of 20-1, the bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. The Senate Farm Bill contains enhancements to the dairy Margin Protection …
USDA Extends Application Deadline for Dairy Margin Protection Program to June 22
Re-enrollment Continues Through June 22, Dairy producers urged to act now U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the re-enrollment deadline for the Margin Protection Program (MPP) for Dairy will be extended until June 22, 2018. The new and improved program protects participating dairy producers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls …