In a positive move for dairy, a committee of Missouri lawmakers last week tabled a measure to consolidate Missouri’s State Milk Board (SMB) with a new Missouri Agriculture Board, which represents a broad range of disparate commodities. Before the vote, IDFA and the National Milk Producers Federation urged members of the Special Committee on Government Oversight to oppose the bill and maintain the State Milk Board, which implements the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and its dairy safety standards and regulations.

“The State Milk Board has a unique dairy safety oversight role that is important to dairy farmers, processors and consumers. We’re pleased that Missouri legislators heard our concerns and chose to halt progress on the proposed bill,” said Cary Frye, IDFA senior vice president of regulatory affairs. “The SMB will continue to operate independently and effectively to assure safe and high-quality dairy products.”

Committee Chairman Rick Brattin called the bill controversial as he opened discussion last Tuesday. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jered Taylor, said he would consider the stated concerns prior to submitting the bill next session.

For more details, contact Frye at cfrye@idfa.org.