The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Program, or Fluid Milk Checkoff Program, conducts business as the Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP). The program develops and finances generic advertising programs designed to maintain and expand markets and uses for fluid milk products produced in the U.S. Processors marketing more than 3 million pounds of fluid milk per month pay a 20 cent per hundred-weight assessment on fluid milk processed and marketed in consumer-type packages in the U.S. The program was created and is administered under the Fluid Milk Promotion Act of 1990 and the Fluid Milk Promotion and Research Order.
Organizational Structure
The National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board is composed of 20 members who are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. Of the 20 board members, 15 represent geographic regions and five are at-large members. The five at-large members include at least three fluid milk processors and at least one member from the general public. Board members hold staggered three-year terms and are eligible for appointment to two consecutive terms. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy with a term of 18 months or less remaining shall be entitled to serve two consecutive three-year terms following the term of the vacant position to which the person was appointed.
- View the current board members
- View the Report to Congress
- Visit the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Program/MilkPEP website
Other Board sponsored sites
Nomination and Membership
The Secretary solicits nominations for the board from individual fluid milk processors and other interested parties, including eligible organizations. Fluid milk processors and other interested parties may submit nominations for positions on the board for regions in which they are located or where they market fluid milk, and for at-large members. Eligible organizations may submit a slate of nominees for seats in all regions and for at-large members.
AMS Policy on Board Diversity: AMS policy is that diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of its industries in terms of the experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors, including but not limited to individuals from historically underserved communities, that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. Throughout the full nomination process, the industry must conduct extensive outreach, paying particular attention to reaching underserved communities, and consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.
Organic Assessment Exemption
Research and promotion programs allow persons that produce, handle, market, process, manufacture, feed or import “organic” and “100 percent organic” products to be exempt from paying assessments regardless of whether they are a “split” operation.
Forms
USDA Contact Information
Emily DeBord
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
202-720-5567
Address & Phone Number:
Promotion, Research, and Planning Division
USDA, AMS, Dairy Programs
Room 2530-S, Stop 0233
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20250-0233
Ph: 202.720.6909
Fax: 202.720.0285