CDFA Secretary Ross Calls for Hearing
Help
for Dairies May Be Close
By Patrick
Cavanaugh, Editor
As hoped,
California Department of Food And Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross called today for a
hearing Sept. 12 to look at a new proposal that will change the 4b cheese milk
formula.
“The
secretary will have to take in evidence to support the changes that we were
requesting in the petition," said Michael Marsh, Chief Executive Officer of the
Modesto-based Western United Dairyman.
 |
| CDFA Secretary Karen Ross |
- The petition
asked for two things. A temporary
price relief for dairy farmers with 46 cents per hundred-weight (CWT) surcharge
on milk going into 4b cheese making. That price relief will go for one year.
- An increase
in the whey value in the 4b formula from the current 75 cents per hundredweight (CWT) up to $1 per
CWT.
“This increase would add an
additional $110 million to the pool of California dairy farmers. At the same
time, it would not cost consumers a penny as it simply
redistributes assets from the cheese makers back to the farmers.” said Marsh.
Marsh said the hearing will
have to happen on Sept. 12, and then sometime after that date, Ross will implement
any of the changes at a date that she will determine.
Ross told California Ag Today that she will need to see compelling evidence to advance the proposal.
Labels: 4b formula, CDFA Ross hears petition, Michael Marsh, Sept. 12 Hearing for Dairies, temporary price relief surcharge on milk, Wester United Dairyman
