AMS No. 141-12

Sam Jones-Ellard (202) 660-2268

Samuel.jones@ams.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2012 – The U. S. Department of Agriculture has announced a Final Decision 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 October 4-5, 2011.

This decision amends the Pool Plant definition to 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 February 24, 2012. The program received only four comments all in support of the recommended decision. The amendment will be subject to a producer referendum.

The final decision will be published in the June 28, 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.

#