Q: Why did USDA hold a hearing?

A: A hearing was held at the dairy industry’s request to evaluate changes to the uniform pricing formulas applicable to all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). Proponents sought to amend the uniform pricing provisions due to significant changes in the dairy industry and milk marketing since their adoption in the early 2000s. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will conduct a referendum Dec. 4-20, 2024, among California almond growers to determine their level of support for continuing their federal marketing order. To be eligible to vote, growers must have produced almonds within the designated production area during the period of Aug. 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. Notice of the referendum was published in the Federal Register on Nov.