Yesterday, August 25, 2009, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that he is working toward establishing the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee. He is currently requesting nominations.The Committee would review the key issues facing the dairy industry and develop ideas on how USDA can help producers make it through their struggles. According the USDA news release, “the committee will review the issues of farm milk price volatility, and dairy farmer profitability. The committee will also offer suggestions and ideas on how USDA can best address these issues to meet the dairy industry's needs. USDA is establishing the committee under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972.”
Vilsack would appoint up to 15 representatives from the industry. The representatives be comprised of producers and their organizations, processors and their organizations, academics, consumers, handlers, retailers, “and state agencies involved in organic and non-organic dairy at the local, regional, national and international levels.”
To read the USDA news release or to see how to send in a nomination, click here.
Posted: 08/26/09
