Milk Marketing Orders: Options for Change
RCED-88-9
Published: Mar 21, 1988. Publicly Released: Mar 21, 1988.
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Highlights
GAO reviewed several aspects of federal milk-pricing policies to determine how: (1) the milk marketing order program affects the U.S. dairy surplus problem; (2) to change the program to reduce incentives for milk production; and (3) such changes would affect the surplus and the program's ability to meet dairy policy goals.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress may wish to consider establishing the goal of decreasing the federal role in milk pricing; working with the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to develop and adopt legislation necessary to accomplish that goal; and directing the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) monitor the conditions in the industry that result from changes to pricing policies; and (2) act, if necessary, to help the industry adjust. | USDA has issued proposed rule changes to certain pricing aspects of the marketing orders. Other pricing policy changes are still under evaluation by USDA. |
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Agricultural policiesAgricultural productionAgricultural programsCommodity marketingDairy industryDairy productsFarm income stabilization programsPrice regulationPrice supportsProgram evaluation