The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is easing its policy on some domestic milk products, making a change the dairy industry has pushed for over the last 20 years. Trade tension with Canada brought the issue to the forefront. Earlier this year, Canada changed policy and stopped importing ultra-filtered milk from the U.S. As a result, many American milk processors were forced to drop their contracts with producers, who then had to scramble to find a new buyer. Before the announcement, UF milk products could only be produced at certain American cheese plants. Now, industry leaders say the relaxed regulations means the product can be taken to multiple plants because it reduces hauling costs and increases cheese production. The FDA released a statement saying it was taking the action because of recent changes in some export markets that have caused an oversupply of dairy products and pricing challenges as a result. The Wisconsin Cheesemakers Association says there’s been an oversupply of milk for over a year and it’s caused real stress among American dairy producers. The announcement comes as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico sit down this week to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.