A proposal to re-establish the Northeast Dairy Compact, which would set a floor for Class I prices, and make other changes to federal dairy policies is being considered by a coalition of state officials, producers, co-ops and processors in the Northeastern states. Known as the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team, this coalition will meet today and tomorrow in Binghamton, N.Y. to discuss the implementation of price proposals and other issues as diverse as balancing milk distribution, access to credit and trade export improvements.
In the past, the Northeast Dairy Compact set farm milk prices for fluid milk above minimum federal prices, essentially ensuring a higher cost for fluid milk products in New England and shutting out competitive milk from neighboring regions.
The Northeast Dairy Leadership Team was formed in 2006 by the departments of agriculture in Pennsylvania, Vermont and New York. The team's members represent all parts of the dairy industry, including IDFA members.
IDFA encourages all members to become involved in the team's efforts to review federal dairy policies. To join the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team or receive more information on their meetings and proposals, contact Cathy Bewley, the team's project manager, at cbewley@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-575-0454.. Members with questions may contact Ruth Saunders, IDFA senior director of policy and legislative affairs, at rsaunders@idfa.org.