Release No. 256-07

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

Becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

Billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 25, 2008 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture today announced a tentative final decision that would increase Class I prices and adjust the Class I pricing surface of the Appalachian, Southeast and Florida marketing orders. This decision is based on testimony and evidence given at a public hearing held at Tampa, Fla., May 21-23, 2007.

This decision also amends certain features of the touch-base, diversion limit standards and transportation credit provisions for the Appalachian and Southeast Federal milk marketing orders. USDA will conduct referendums to determine if producers approve the amended orders. If approved, USDA will issue an interim order making the amendments effective.

The tentative final decision will be published in a future issue of the Federal Register. Once the decision is published, interested persons have 60 days to comment. You may send your comments by using the Federal eRulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov.

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