Over the next two years, the committee will review the issues of farm milk price volatility, dairy farmer profitability and consolidation, and offer suggestions on ways USDA can best address the needs of a struggling dairy industry. Representatives include producers and producer organizations, processors and processor organizations, handlers, consumers, academia, retailers, and state agencies involved in organic and non-organic dairy at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

James Goodman, an organic milk producer from Vernon County, Robert Wills, owner of Cedar Grove Cheese Factory, and Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Rod Nilsestuen are among the 17 members appointed to the committee.

All members will serve two-year terms beginning in January 2010, and expiring Jan. 1, 2012. The committee was expanded this year from 15 members to 17 and will hold its first meeting in early 2010. The meeting will be open to the public and USDA encourages public participation.