The U.S. Department of Agriculture last week announced plans to form a Dairy Advisory Committee to "review key issues impacting the dairy industry and generate additional ideas about how USDA can help struggling producers." USDA has called for nominations and will select up to 15 representatives from the dairy industry and related organizations to serve on the committee.
The committee is expected to include producers and producer organizations, processor and processor organizations, handlers, consumers, academics, retailers and state agencies at local, regional, national and international levels. IDFA is compiling a list of possible nominees and will submit the names to the Executive Committee of the IDFA Board of Directors for approval. Nominations are due September 28.
Once selected, the advisory committee members will elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson. Brandon Willis, deputy administrator for farm programs in USDA's Farm Service Agency, (see photo) will serve as executive secretary. This committee will be established under the authority of the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972.
"IDFA appreciates Secretary Tom Vilsack's willingness to listen to the concerns of producers and processors and act quickly," said Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO. "We will do everything we can to assure that dairy processors are actively involved and that the committee recommends long-term solutions that benefit the entire industry."
Members with questions about this announcement may contact Bob Yonkers, IDFA vice president and chief economist, at byonkers@idfa.org or (202) 220-3511.