AMS No. 028-08

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON,March 3, 2008 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a Recommended Decision to adopt amendments to the administrative assessment rate provisions of the Appalachian, Florida and Southeast marketing orders. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held in Tampa, Fla., May 21-23, 2007.

The amendments would increase the maximum administrative assessment rate allowable. The amendments would specifically allow the market administrator to increase the maximum administrative assessment up to 8 cents per hundredweight on all pooled milk if necessary to maintain the required fund reserves.

Interested persons have until April 29, 2008 to file comments in response to this decision. Comments should be submitted by using the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov.

The recommended decision appeared in the Feb. 29 Federal Register.

For additional information about the decision contact:

Appalachian: Harold H. Friedly, Jr.

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; e-mail: smosley@fmmatlanta.com