MACON, Ga. — Georgia dairy farmers approved the continuation of the 10 cents per hundredweight milk check-off to be sent to the Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk (ACCM) by 98%. The voting period was held March 1-30. The check-off is part of the 15 cents that is required under the USDA Federal Milk Program.
The Georgia Milk Commission uses these funds for education and promotion of milk in Georgia. One of its more visible programs is the Mobile Dairy Classroom, which travels throughout the state educating students and consumers at schools and social events about dairy farming and milk’s nutritional benefits.
The commission also allocates funds to The Dairy Alliance, a regional dairy promotion organization that manages additional promotion and educational programs throughout Georgia and other Southeastern states.
As required by state law, the Commodities Promotion Act, every three years, the ACCM must hold a producer referendum. In order for the ACCM to continue as an organization, at least a two-thirds majority (67%) of the Georgia dairy producers voting must vote in favor for the continuation of the commission.
–Georgia Farm Bureau