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Dairy Industry Meets with USDA on Class I Definition On January 19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) brought together dairy industry representatives, including IDFA and several members, for a meeting to discuss a petition to expand the fluid milk products (Class I) definition. This is the first time in recent history that USDA has taken such a step to gather industry perspective on a federal order issue prior to a formal hearing. The petition, received by USDA in August 2003, seeks to change the Class I definition to include all milk and milk ingredients in all beverage products, aimed at new milk-based drinks.Dana Coale, deputy administrator of USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's Dairy Programs, hosted the meeting. IDFA and its members voiced their continued belief that that there is not enough data to conclude what effect, if any, these products are having on the dairy market to support such a change. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) also participated in the meeting. NMPF has decided not to renew its call for USDA to postpone a hearing on this matter. In fact, the group has submitted its own proposal on how to amend the Class I definition. During the meeting, USDA indicated that the department will likely move forward with a hearing this spring on this issue. USDA is accepting written comments about the original petition, including any additional proposals, until January 31, 2005. IDFA will submit comments to USDA by that deadline.
Posted January 24, 2005
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