In an official hearing announcement on Friday, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross provided notice that the California Department of Food and Agriculture, on its own motion, is calling a milk pricing hearing to be held June 3 in Sacramento. The leadership of Western United Dairymen (WUD) was pleased to hear the news and looks forward to serious consideration of proposed amendments to the Class 4b pricing formula. WUD, in joint effort with other dairy trade associations, has been committed to finding a way to bring change to the California milk pricing system that will create a fair pricing structure for the state's dairy producers. As a result of the work done by these dedicated industry partners, the opportunity to express the position of the dairy industry has become a reality.
"I was happy to see the announcement on Friday, and even more pleased to see Secretary Ross' support for immediate action," said Frank Mendonsa, WUD president. "I encourage dairymen to be present at the hearing and make sure CDFA hears directly from the family run dairies this pricing will affect."
In 2014 the Department held various meetings with the California Dairy Future Task Force and its work groups to create a revised milk pricing system. Although improvements were not made at that time, WUD is optimistic the Secretary is ready to address the issues which have continued to impact the pricing system. In Friday's announcement, Secretary Ross said, "While the industry must continue to work towards long-term structural reforms to address these issues, I am concerned that the current conditions impacting the production of milk and the marketing of dairy products may warrant short-term adjustments to the current pricing levels. Thus, the Department is calling a hearing on its own motion."
The public hearing will begin at 8 a.m. on June 3 in the CDFA auditorium, 1220 N Street, Sacramento. Alternative proposals are due May 20. To view the official announcement from CDFA click here.
5.6.2015