Release No. 250 -06

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.com@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 25, 2006 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today issued an interim final rule amending current provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing orders. The interim final rule was approved by Appalachian and Southeast dairy farmers.

This interim final rule amends certain features of the transportation credit provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. The amendments include: 1) Establishing a mileage rate factor using a fuel cost adjustor used in the transportation credit provisions of both orders; 2) Increasing the maximum transportation credit assessment rate for both orders; and 3) Establishing a zero diversion limit standard on loads of milk requesting transportation credits.

These amendments will more adequately provide additional revenue to pay for transporting milk to the Appalachian and southeast milk marketing areas.

The interim final rule appears in the today’s Federal Register. These interim amendments to the orders will become effective on Dec. 1. Public comments on the tentative partial decision published on Sept. 13, 2006, will be due on Nov. 13, 2006.

For additional information about the decision contact:

Appalachian: Harold H. Friedly

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 18030, Louisville, KY 40261-0030

Tel. (502) 499-0040; e-mail: friedly@malouisville.com

Southeast: Sue L. Mosley

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 491778, Lawrenceville, GA 30049

Tel. (770) 682-2501; e-mail: smosley@fmmatlanta.com