January 29, 2009
New US dairy programme to boost consumer confidence
A new programme has been created to help boost consumer confidence in the US dairy industry.
The Farmers Assuring Responsible Management programme is a joint effort between the National Milk Producers Federation and Dairy Management Inc.
The first component of the programme is a national on-farm animal well-being programme, which is in line with the National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative that offers guidelines on animal nutrition, health, management, housing, handling and third-party verification.
The two dairy groups are also revising their Caring for Dairy Animals manual and incorporating the principles and guidelines into the new programme.
With food awareness at an all-time high level, farmers are often interested in programmes that verify safe and ethical production methods, said John Frey, director of the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence.
Tom Gallagher, CEO of Dairy Management Inc., said a national programme will help build consumer confidence, as consumers want to know that dairy products are safe, wholesome and nutritious, and that animals are well-cared for.
The long-term plan of the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management programme will be announced later in 2009.
In addition, dairy producers are encouraged to sign up for the Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC), a programme that provides monthly payments to producers when market prices drop below the programme's defined price.
