Release No. 040-09

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 13 , 2009 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced a rule that concludes the rulemaking proceeding to consider proposals to amend the producer-handler provisions of the Appalachian and Southeast milk marketing orders. The proposed amendments were considered at a public hearing held at Atlanta, Ga., in February 2004.

The rule terminates the proceeding concerning proposed amendments that would: 1) Limit the exemption for producer-handlers to those dairy farmers with less than 3 million pounds of fluid milk products sales; and 2) Allow dairy farmers to purchase supplemental supplies of milk from other sources while retaining their producer-handler status.

Other proposals considered as part of this proceeding were addressed in previously issued decisions.

The rule terminating the proceeding appears in today’s Federal Register.

Additional information about the rule may be obtained from market administrator offices as follows:

Appalachian: Harold H. Friedly

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

1550 North Brown Road, Suite 120, Lawrenceville, GA. 30043

Tel. (770) 682-2501; e-mail: smosley@fmmatlanta.com