Release No. 308-03

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2004 –– The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced it will hold a public hearing to consider proposals to amend the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. on Feb. 23 at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta, Ga.

The hearing will consider a proposal to merge the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing areas and proposals to expand the proposed merged order marketing area. Another proposal would create a “Mississippi Valley” order by breaking the Southeast order into two orders. USDA will also consider additional proposals that seek to amend certain other terms and provisions of the orders.

The hearing notice will be published as a proposed rule in the Jan. 23 Federal Register. Copies of the hearing notice may be obtained from the USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs, Rm. 2971 - Stop 0231, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0231. The hearing notice also is available on the AMS web site, at: www.ams.usda.gov/dairy.

The hearing notice and information about the hearing also is available from market administrator offices, as follows:

Appalachian: Harold H. Friedly

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

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

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

Florida and Southeast: Sue. L. Mosley

USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs

P.O. Box 491778, Lawrenceville, GA. 30049

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