We strongly support the combined efforts of Maryland Farm Bureau with the MD Dairy Industry Association and the Dairy Industry Advisory Council to develop a program that will enhance the price of milk to producers and help increase the stability of the dairy industry in Maryland. ’08
     We urge the state to adopt and fund a new program to support the viability of dairy farms similar to programs adopted in other northeast states. ‘06
     We support full funding of the Regional Dairy Quality Management Alliance Research Project. ’05
     We support the Maryland Dairy Industry Association as long as the membership is voluntary.’06

Milk Marketing
     Maintaining consumer confidence in dairy products is critical to the viability of the dairy industry. Dairy product labeling should be truthful, accurate and be able to be substantiated.’07
     We believe schools should not sell milk to students after the sell-by date. ’07

Dairy Inspection & Regulation
     We recommend moving the milk control and inspection program responsibilities from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to the Maryland Department of Agriculture. ’07
     We oppose new or increased fees for dairy farmers, haulers and cooperatives. '04
     We support current Maryland Law for the prohibition of raw milk sales. We support legislation that would prohibit the use of cattle-share or farm-share agreements as a means to circumvent existing raw milk sales laws. ’07
     Maryland should allow farmers to produce and process raw milk cheese on their farms and sell it from the farm after the federally required 60 day aging period. ‘06