Multiple industry groups disagree with Federal Milk Marketing Order system

Dairy processors say they have gained the sup­port of consumer groups and tax watchdogs in a campaign against the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. The orders establish rules under which dairy processors purchase fresh milk from dairy farmers supplying a marketing area, a process the industry contends leads to higher milk prices.

 USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has requested comments for its current periodic review of the existing regulations. The International Dairy Foods Association says Taxpayers Protection Alliance and Consumer Federation of America are among the groups submitting comments that question the need for continuing the orders in their present form.