Release No. 285-02

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8999

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202)720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 18, 2002 - The United States Department of Agriculture today issued an interim order amending the current pooling provisions of the Pacific Northwest Federal milk marketing order. The interim order was approved by Pacific Northwest dairy farmers.

This interim order implements pooling standards to prevent the inappropriate pooling of milk on the Pacific Northwest order. The approved amendments to the Pool Plant provisions: 1) eliminate a supply plant feature applicable to cooperative supply plants, 2) establish a "cooperative pool manufacturing plant" definition, and 3) establish system pooling for cooperative manufacturing plants.

The approved amendments to the Producer milk provisions: 1) set a year-round diversion limit of 80 percent of total receipts for pool plants, 2) establish a "touch-base" standard specifying that at least three-days? milk production of a producer needs to be delivered to a pool plant during the month in order for the rest of the milk of the producer to be eligible for diversion to non-pool plants, and 3) provides authority to the Market Administrator to adjust the touch-base standard.

These interim amendments to the order will become effective Jan. 1, 2003. Public comments on the Tentative Final Decision published Sept. 6, 2002, were due Nov. 5, 2002.

For additional information about the decision contact: James R. Daugherty, Pacific Northwest Market Administrator, USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs,1930 - 220 Street, SE, Suite 102, Bothell Washington 98021-8471 Tel. (425)487-6009; email fmmaseattle@fmmaseattle.com.