AMS No. 172-12

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, August 27, 2012 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture has announced a final rule which amends the Pool Plant definition of the Mideast milk marketing order. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Oct. 4-5, 2011.

This amendment will more adequately identify the plants that service the fluid milk needs of the marketing order. Specifically, the amendment will regulate fluid milk plants physically located within the Mideast marketing area that have a Class I utilization of at least 30 percent and whose combined Class I route disposition and transfers into Federal milk marketing areas is greater than 50 percent.

This amendment was originally proposed in a recommended decision issued on Feb. 24, 2012. The program received only four comments all in support of the recommended decision. Producers whose milk is pooled on the Mideast milk marketing order approved these amendments. The order, as amended, will become effective Oct. 1, 2012.

The final rule was published in the Aug. 27, 2012 Federal Register. For additional information about the decision contact: Paul Huber; USDA/AMS/Dairy Programs; 1325 Industrial Parkway North, Brunswick, OH 44212; Tel. (330) 225-4758; email: phuber@fmmaclev.com.

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