Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA) has taken an active role in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s ongoing National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearing. MDVA Board Members Matt Hoff, Jennifer Lawrence, and David Pool along with executive staff have provided testimony calling for urgent modernization of the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system.  

 The testimony from various members of MDVA’s farmer-led Board of Directors highlights support for the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) comprehensive proposal for reform which is aimed at ensuring fair compensation and generational sustainability within the U.S. dairy industry. Of particular emphasis was the importance of  returning to the “higher of” for the Class I Mover, increasing Class I differentials, and increased make allowances. 

David Pool, a dairy farmer in Robesonia, Pennsylvania and MDVA’s First Vice President, focused on Class I differentials.  

“It has been more than twenty years since Class I differentials have been evaluated,” said Pool. “We must address with urgency the disparities in pricing across regions to ensure that U.S. dairy farmers are receiving equitable compensation for their milk.” 

Mike John, MDVA’s Executive Vice President of Milk Marketing, has also contributed to the hearing by providing testimony on make allowances and will testify in the coming days on increasing Class I differentials.  

“As a farmer-owned cooperative we know the reforms reflected in NMPF’s proposal are essential for the prosperity of our dairy farm families,” said John. “MDVA remains steadfast in our dedication to work collaboratively to bring much-needed modernization to the FMMO system and ensure the continued success of all dairy farmers.” 

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Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association is a community of more than 900 dairy farm families in 10 states passionate about cultivating dairy goodness and bottling fresh Maola brand milk and dairy products. Our farmer-owned cooperative owns five dairy processing plants that process more than three billion pounds of milk annually. Our diverse portfolio of dairy products are then distributed to consumers in the United States and ingredients customers worldwide. Our cooperative is a leader in sustainability, partnering across the supply chain to deliver sustainable solutions to our member farms. We take pride in supporting the educational and nutritional needs of the communities in our milkshed through our MDVA Fund. For more information about Maryland & Virginia, visit: www.mdvamilk.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2023
Contact: Amanda Culp, aculp@mdvamilk.com, 540-333-9873
Dateline: Carmel, Indiana