USA: Federal Milk Marketing Order Hearing Faces Delays
Source: The DairyNews
The hearing to consider possible changes to the federal milk marketing order system will resume in mid-January, but an industry leader says it should have wrapped up already.
Alan Bjerga of the National Milk Producers Federation expressed confidence in their unanimous consensus proposal, emphasizing that it addresses the concerns of dairy farmers across different sizes and regions. He suggested that if discussions stayed focused on the proposals and the best interests of dairy farmers, the process could have concluded sooner.
Bjerga acknowledged that the complexity of the FMMO system, coupled with the involvement of processor groups with vested interests, has contributed to the prolonged hearing. He noted that the process involves smart individuals with significant resources providing technical explanations and engaging in cross-examinations.
During the hearing, dairy organizations and processors submitted various proposals, adding to the complexity of the discussions. The goal is to evaluate the testimony and determine what farmers can vote on after the hearing concludes. The USDA's FMMO hearing is set to resume on January 16th in Carmel, Indiana.
Bjerga acknowledged that the complexity of the FMMO system, coupled with the involvement of processor groups with vested interests, has contributed to the prolonged hearing. He noted that the process involves smart individuals with significant resources providing technical explanations and engaging in cross-examinations.
During the hearing, dairy organizations and processors submitted various proposals, adding to the complexity of the discussions. The goal is to evaluate the testimony and determine what farmers can vote on after the hearing concludes. The USDA's FMMO hearing is set to resume on January 16th in Carmel, Indiana.
