AMS Release No. 307-03

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2004 –– The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that it is considering the termination of the Western milk marketing order effective April 1, 2004, because producers did not approve the issuance of the order as amended by a tentative final decision issued in August 2003.

This action is necessary because a milk marketing order must be approved by at least two-thirds of the producers whose milk would be regulated under the terms of an order. When an amended milk marketing order is not approved by producers, USDA takes action to terminate it because, without the needed amendments, the order does not comply with the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937, as amended.

The proposed termination will be published in the Jan.13 Federal Register. Interested persons will have 30 days to submit written data, views and arguments as to why the order should not be terminated. Send two copies to the USDA/AMS/Dairy Division, Order Formulation and Enforcement Branch, Room 2971 - Stop 0231, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-0231.