Release No. 187-03

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

Washington, Aug. 5 2003. - USDA will hold a public hearing beginning at 8:30 a.m. on September 23, 2003 at the Sheraton Airport Hotel, 1600 South 52nd St., Tempe, Ariz., on proposals that would amend certain producer-handler provisions in the Pacific Northwest and Arizona-Las Vegas milk marketing orders.

Proposals to be considered would end the regulatory exemption from the pricing and pooling provisions of the Pacific Northwest and the Arizona-Las Vegas milk marketing orders for producer-handlers whose Class I route disposition exceeds three million pounds per month. In addition, a proposal will be considered that would eliminate the ability to simultaneously pool the same milk on the Arizona-Las Vegas milk order and on a State-operated order that provides for marketwide pooling.

The notice of the hearing will be published in the Aug. 6 Federal Register. Copies may be obtained from the Pacific Northwest, Arizona-Las Vegas & Western milk marketing orders office, USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs, 1930 - 220th Street, S.E., Suite 102, Bothell, Washington 98021-8471 or USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs, 10050 North 25th Avenue, Suite 302, Phoenix, AZ 85021-1664 or AMS/Dairy Programs, USDA Stop 0231 - Room 2971, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0231.