AMS No. 238-11

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 617-7212

Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2011 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the appointment of two dairy importer members to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

“Importer representation on the board will enhance participation in the development of promotion, research, and nutrition education programs to expand the demand for dairy products and dairy ingredients,” said Secretary Vilsack.

Newly appointed members include Kenneth E. Meyers who will serve a three-year term ending Oct. 31, 2014 and Giovanna Vita who will serve a two-year term ending Oct. 31, 2013.

The board was established under the Dairy Production Stabilization Act of 1983, as amended, to develop and administer a coordinated program of promotion, research, and nutrition education. The 38-member board is authorized to design programs to strengthen the dairy industry’s position in domestic and foreign markets. The program is financed by a mandatory 15-cent per hundredweight assessment on all milk marketed commercially and a 7.5-cent per hundredweight assessment, or equivalent thereof, on milk and dairy products imported into the United States.

The Secretary selected the appointees from nominations submitted by individual importers of dairy products or by organizations representing dairy importers. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service monitors the operation of the board.

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