[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 62 (Friday, March 30, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13691-13700]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06286]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 62 / Friday, March 30, 2018 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 13691]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

7 CFR Part 1006

[AMS-DA-17-0068; AO-18-0008]


Milk in the Florida Marketing Area; Decision on Proposed 
Amendments to Marketing Agreement and Order

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt, on an emergency basis, 
amendments to the Florida Federal milk marketing order (FMMO) that 
would implement a temporary assessment on Class I milk. Revenues 
collected through the assessment would be disbursed to handlers and 
producers who incurred extraordinary marketing losses and expenses due 
to Hurricane Irma, which caused considerable market disruptions in 
September 2017.

DATES: March 30, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Taylor, Acting Director, Order 
Formulation and Enforcement Division, USDA/AMS/Dairy Program, Stop 
0231--Room 2963, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-
0231; phone: (202) 720-7311; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed rule, in accordance with 7 CFR 
900.13a, is the Secretary's final decision in this proceeding and 
proposes the issuance of a marketing order as defined in 7 CFR 
900.2(j).
    This administrative action is governed by the provisions of 
Sections 556 and 557 of Title 5 of the United States Code and is 
therefore excluded from the requirements of Executive Order 12866.
    This proposed rule is not considered an Executive Order 13771 
regulatory action because it does not meet the definition of a 
``regulation'' or ``rule'' under Executive Order 12866.
    The proposed amendments have been reviewed under Executive Order 
12988, Civil Justice Reform. This rule is not intended to have 
retroactive effect. If adopted, the proposed rule will not preempt any 
state or local law, regulations, or policies, unless they present an 
irreconcilable conflict with this rule.
    AMS is committed to complying with the E-Government Act to promote 
the use of the internet and other information technologies, to provide 
increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information 
and services, and for other purposes.
    The Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (AMAA), as amended 
(7 U.S.C. 601-674 and 7253), provides that administrative proceedings 
must be exhausted before parties may file suit in court. Under section 
608c(15)(A) of the AMAA, any handler subject to a marketing order may 
request modification or exemption from such order by filing with the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) a petition stating that the 
order, any provision of the order, or any obligation imposed in 
connection with the order is not in accordance with law. A handler is 
afforded the opportunity for a hearing on the petition. After a 
hearing, USDA would rule on the petition. The AMAA provides that the 
district court of the United States in any district in which the 
handler is an inhabitant, or has its principal place of business, has 
jurisdiction in equity to review USDA's ruling on the petition, 
provided a bill in equity is filed not later than 20 days after the 
date of the entry of the ruling.

Regulatory Flexibility Act and Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 
601-612), AMS has considered the economic impact of this proposed 
action on small entities and has determined that this proposed rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.
    For the purpose of the RFA, a dairy farm is considered a small 
business if it has an annual gross revenue of less than $750,000. Dairy 
product manufacturers are considered small businesses based on the 
number of people they employ. Small fluid milk and ice cream 
manufacturers are defined as having 1,000 or fewer employees. Small 
butter and dry or condensed dairy product manufacturers are defined as 
having 750 or fewer employees. Small cheese manufacturers are defined 
as having 1,250 or fewer employees. Manufacturing plants that are part 
of larger companies operating multiple plants with total numbers of 
employees that exceed the threshold for small businesses will be 
considered large businesses, even if the local plant has fewer 
employees than the threshold number.
    AMS estimates that 248 dairy farms produced milk pooled on the 
Florida FMMO in 2017. One hundred forty-one farms delivered milk to 
Florida pool plants fewer than 100 days during 2017, and of those, 66 
pooled less than 48,000 pounds of milk on the order during the entire 
year. AMS estimates 107 farms (248 minus 141) were part of the 
``normal'' Florida milk supply last year. Nineteen of those farms had 
less than $750,000 in gross milk sales, based upon estimated 2017 
production and a weighted average uniform price of $20.98 per cwt.
    Considering all 248 farms that had producer milk on the Florida 
FMMO, AMS estimates that 101 farms had less than $750,000 in gross milk 
sales, no matter where all of their production was pooled, and would be 
considered small businesses.
    Interested persons were invited to present evidence at the hearing 
on the possible regulatory impact of the proposals on small businesses. 
Four witnesses testified at the hearing, each representing one or all 
of the proponent cooperatives. Each of the witnesses indicated their 
cooperatives include dairy farmer members who would be considered small 
businesses.
    AMS data indicates that six dairy farmer cooperatives, in their 
capacity as handlers, pooled producer milk on the Florida FMMO in 2017. 
AMS estimates that two of those cooperative handlers have fewer than 
500 employees and would be considered small businesses. Thirty-eight 
processing plants received producer milk in 2017, of which AMS 
estimates that 13 would be considered small businesses. Two of the 13 
small businesses are fully regulated distributing plants on the Florida 
FMMO. The remaining 11 small business are nonpool or exempt plants.
    The proposed amendments recommended in this final decision will 
provide temporary reimbursement to handlers (cooperative associations 
and proprietary handlers) who incurred

[[Page 13692]]

extraordinary losses in connection with Hurricane Irma in September 
2017. The proposed amendments were requested by Southeast Milk, Inc.; 
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Premier Milk, Inc.; Maryland and 
Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc.; and Lone Star 
Milk Producers, Inc. The dairy farmer members of these five 
cooperatives supply the majority of the milk pooled under the Florida 
FMMO. The proposed amendments would implement, for a 7-month period 
beginning with the first month the amendments would be effective, a 
temporary assessment on Class I milk pooled on the Florida FMMO at a 
rate not to exceed $0.09 per hundredweight (cwt). The amount generated 
through the temporary assessment would be disbursed during the 7-month 
period starting the month after the amendments become effective to 
qualifying handlers who incurred extraordinary losses and expenses as a 
result of the hurricane.
    Hurricane Irma disrupted the orderly flow of milk movements within 
the Florida marketing area between September 6, 2017, and September 15, 
2017. Handlers in Florida experienced disruptions in moving and 
marketing bulk milk to supply the Class I (fluid milk) needs of the 
marketing area.
    One of the functions of the FMMO program is to provide for the 
orderly exchange of milk between the dairy farmer and the handler 
(first buyer) to ensure the Class I needs of the market are met. The 
record evidence clearly shows that the movements of bulk milk in the 
Florida marketing area were disrupted because of the hurricane. As 
well, handlers experienced losses due to selling milk at distressed 
prices or dumping milk that could not be delivered to its usual 
destination. Accordingly, the adoption of the proposed amendments would 
provide financial relief to qualifying handlers who incurred additional 
marketing expenses and losses for bulk milk movements that were 
disrupted as a result of Hurricane Irma.
    The proposed amendments would reimburse handlers for marketing 
expenses and losses in four categories: Transportation costs to deliver 
loads to other than their normal receiving plants; lost location value 
due to selling milk in lower location value zones; milk dumped at farms 
or on tankers, and skim milk dumped at plants; and distressed milk 
sales. Reimbursement would be funded through an assessment on Class I 
milk at a maximum rate of $0.09 per cwt. Record evidence indicates that 
this would increase the consumer price of milk by less than $0.01 per 
gallon during the 7-month proposed assessment period.
    Handlers in the Florida marketing area would not be at a 
competitive disadvantage due to the temporary assessment because of its 
uniform application to all Class I milk. Additionally, any handler, 
regardless of size, who experienced a qualifying marketing expense or 
loss would be eligible to receive reimbursement. Dairy farmer blend 
prices would not be impacted by the proposed amendments because the 
assessment is not funded through the marketwide pool. Dairy farmer 
cooperatives who pooled milk on the Florida order, and therefore 
qualified as the pooling handler, would also be eligible for 
reimbursement. In those instances, producers are receiving relief as 
the money is returned to their dairy farmer-owned cooperative. 
Accordingly, the adoption of the proposed amendments would not 
significantly impact producers or handlers of any size, due to the 
limited implementation period and the minimal impact to the Class I 
milk price.
    A review of reporting requirements was completed in accordance with 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). As such, 
the information collection requirements related to this final decision 
do not require clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
beyond the currently approved information collection [0581-0032]. The 
information necessary to qualify for reimbursement, as proposed in this 
decision, has already been submitted through the monthly handler 
receipts and utilization form (INSERT FORM #), or is part of the normal 
business records that are inspected during routine FMMO audits.
    The primary sources of information that would be required for 
application for reimbursements are documents currently generated in 
customary business transactions. These documents include--but are not 
limited to--invoices, receiving records, bulk milk manifests, hauling 
bills, and contracts. These documents are routinely inspected by the 
market administrator during handler audits. Thus no new information 
would be collected as a result of the amendments.

Prior Documents in This Proceeding

    Notification of Hearing: Issued December 6, 2017; published 
December 11, 2017 (82 FR 58135).
    Supplemental Notice of Hearing: Issued December 7, 2017; published 
December 11, 2017 (82 FR 58135).

Secretary's Decision

    Notice is hereby given of the filing with the Hearing Clerk of this 
final decision with respect to proposed amendments to the tentative 
marketing agreement and order regulating the handling of milk in the 
Florida marketing area. This decision is issued pursuant to the 
provisions of the AMAA and the applicable rules of practice and 
procedure governing the formulation of marketing agreements and orders 
(7 CFR part 900). The tentative marketing agreement and order are 
authorized under 7 U.S.C. 608c.
    The proposed amendments set forth below are based on the record of 
a public hearing held in Tampa, Florida, December 12 through 14, 2017, 
pursuant to a notification of hearing issued December 6, 2017, and 
published December 11, 2017 (82 FR 58135).
    The material issues on the record of this proceeding relate to:
    1. Temporary Class I assessment for reimbursement of extraordinary 
expenses and losses resulting from Hurricane Irma; and
    2. Determination of whether emergency marketing conditions exist 
that warrant the omission of a recommended decision and the opportunity 
to file written exceptions.

Overview of Proposal

    Proposal 1 was submitted by an association of cooperative dairy 
producers who operate in the Florida milk marketing area. The 
proponents include Southeast Marketing, Inc.; Dairy Farmers of America, 
Inc.; Premier Milk, Inc.; Maryland and Virginia Producers Cooperative 
Association, Inc.; and Lone Star Milk Producers, Inc. (hereinafter 
referred to as ``Cooperatives''). According to the hearing record, the 
proponents together market in excess of 90 percent of the milk pooled 
on the Florida FMMO.
    Proposal 1 would provide for emergency relief for Florida dairy 
handlers and producers for extraordinary marketing expenses and losses 
incurred September 6 through 15, 2017, as a result of Hurricane Irma. 
Proposal 1 would amend the Florida FMMO by providing for a temporary 
increase of $0.09 per cwt on Class I milk to fund reimbursements for 
eligible reimbursement claims. The proposal would provide for 
reimbursements related to: Transportation costs to deliver milk to 
plants other than the normal receiving plant; lost location value due 
to selling milk in lower location value zones; milk dumped at farms or 
on tankers, and skim milk dumped at plants; and distressed milk sales.

[[Page 13693]]

Findings and Conclusions

    The following findings and conclusions on the material issues are 
based on evidence presented at the hearing and the record thereof:
    1. Temporary reimbursement for extraordinary expenses and losses 
resulting from Hurricane Irma. At issue in this proceeding is the 
consideration of proposed amendments to the Florida FMMO to provide 
reimbursement to qualifying handlers (handlers and dairy farmer-owned 
cooperative associations in their capacity as handlers) for certain 
categories of extraordinary losses and expenses due to market 
disruptions caused by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. This decision 
finds that reimbursement through a temporary assessment ($0.09 per cwt) 
on Class I milk is appropriate.
    A witness appearing on behalf of the Cooperatives testified in 
support of Proposal 1. The witness explained that normal milk movements 
in the Florida marketing area were disrupted as a result of Hurricane 
Irma, and that producers and handlers resorted to extraordinary 
measures to find alternative market outlets for milk that could not be 
delivered and processed at its normal destination. According to the 
witness, providing regulatory relief through a temporary assessment on 
Class I milk, as proposed, would ensure that all affected Class I 
handlers can be reimbursed for eligible claims.
    The Cooperative witness stated that Proposal 1 would provide 
reimbursement across four categories to handlers who experienced 
extraordinary marketing expenses and losses. The witness categorized 
the costs as extra transportation costs for hauling milk to more 
distant plants; revenue lost due to the difference in location value as 
a result of delivering milk to more distant plants; revenue lost on 
milk that was dumped due to plant unavailability or logistical delays; 
and revenue lost on sales of milk to unregulated manufacturing plants 
at distressed milk prices.
    In regards to transportation cost reimbursement, the Cooperative 
witness clarified Proposal 1 only seeks reimbursement for 
transportation costs in excess of what handlers would have normally 
paid if the hurricane had not forced them to find alternative market 
outlets. The witness explained the modification also would allow 
handlers to receive hauling cost reimbursement for milk rerouted to 
plants outside of Florida, even if the milk was not pooled on the 
Florida FMMO in September 2017. Proposed language would also impose a 
$3.75 per loaded mile upper limit on transportation cost reimbursement. 
The witness explained the $3.75 limit was based upon the proponents' 
industry experience and reflects current hauling rates for bulk milk.
    The Cooperative witness explained that Proposal 1 seeks 
reimbursement for revenue lost due to receiving a lower location value 
than the milk would have normally received. The witness also modified 
Proposal 1 to allow milk rerouted to plants outside of the Florida milk 
marketing area to be eligible for location value reimbursement, even if 
the milk was not pooled on the Florida FMMO. The witness explained 
there were instances where milk normally associated with the Florida 
marketing area was rerouted to alternative plants and pooled on another 
FMMO. The witness said the modification would allow the handler to 
recoup the lost location value despite the milk not being pooled on the 
Florida FMMO. As with transportation costs, reimbursement would apply 
to the difference between the location value handlers would have 
normally received and the location value they actually received.
    The Cooperative witness also clarified they are only seeking a net 
reimbursement, on a load-by-load basis, between losses in location 
value and any savings or losses on transportation costs. In this way, 
the witness explained, proponents would not receive reimbursement in 
excess of the actual cost incurred as a result of the hurricane.
    The Cooperative witness explained that Proposal 1 also seeks 
reimbursement for milk dumped on farms, in tankers, or skim milk dumped 
at plants at the lowest classified value for the month. According to 
the witness, there are documented cases where milk was dumped at the 
farm because roads were impassable or tanker trucks or drivers were 
unavailable to haul the milk. In other cases, milk was dumped from 
tankers when no plants were available to receive it, or delivered to 
plants that were able to skim off and market the butterfat, but the 
skim milk had to be dumped. The witness noted that there may be loads 
of dumped milk that were not reported in a handlers' September 2017 
Report of Receipts and Utilization, and asked that the Market 
Administrator allow handlers to revise their reports to reflect these 
dumped loads, although such a provision had not been included in the 
original proposal.
    The last reimbursement category, said the Cooperative witness, is 
reimbursement for distressed milk sales. The witness modified the 
original proposal and testified that proponents are now seeking 
reimbursement for distressed milk sales equal to the difference between 
the announced price applicable to the milk at its classified use value 
and the actual price received for the distressed milk moved to nonpool 
plants. The witness explained that the purpose of this modification was 
to seek reimbursement on distressed milk sales at the milk's actual 
classified use value, as opposed to the lowest classified value, which 
in September 2017 was Class IV. The witness said reimbursing handlers 
for the actual classified use value ensures handlers are made whole 
based on how the milk was actually used. The witness clarified that 
reimbursement for distressed milk sales should not be limited to pooled 
milk.
    The Cooperative witness explained the proposed reimbursement 
categories would be funded through a temporary assessment on Class I 
milk at a maximum rate of $0.09 per cwt per month for a limited period 
determined appropriate by USDA. The witness stated $0.09 per cwt was 
the rate USDA allowed previously to fund reimbursements following 
losses due to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne in 2004. 
According to the witness, $0.09 per cwt generated necessary funds 
without causing market disruptions.
    The witness said that in the Cooperatives' proposal, the Market 
Administrator would determine and announce the temporary assessment on 
Class I milk for each month the provisions are in effect. As the 
witness explained, during each applicable month, the Market 
Administrator would pay out verified eligible costs and losses, up to 
the amount of funds collected under the assessment for that month, 
uniformly prorating reimbursements if the eligible claims exceed funds 
available for the month. The witness testified that if the total 
dollars collected across all months exceed the total eligible claims, 
the Market Administrator should reduce the temporary assessment in the 
final month so as to not collect excess funds.
    The Cooperative witness testified that because Class I prices are 
announced in advance of the month, there is a possibility that in the 
last month of the reimbursement period there could be a difference 
between the amount of money generated and the amount needed to pay 
final claim reimbursements. According to the witness, if the additional 
funds exceed the final costs, the extra funds could be added to the 
marketwide pool and

[[Page 13694]]

distributed to producers, or they could be returned pro rata to the 
handlers. If funds from the assessment are less than the total eligible 
claims due to handlers, the Market Administrator could prorate 
available funds for reimbursement.
    The same witness later appeared on behalf of Lone Star Milk 
Producers, Inc. (Lone Star), in support of Proposal 1. Lone Star is a 
dairy farmer-owned cooperative that markets milk on behalf of more than 
100 producers located in the Florida, Southeast, and Southwest FMMO 
areas. Lone Star is one of the Cooperative proponents of Proposal 1. 
The witness testified that the majority of Lone Star producers who 
market milk on the Florida FMMO would qualify as small businesses. The 
witness testified to the expenses and losses Lone Star incurred as a 
result of disorderly milk movements caused by Hurricane Irma.
    According to the witness, Lone Star represents a small volume of 
milk relative to other marketers of milk in the Florida marketing area, 
but its members' pay prices were significantly impacted due to 
hurricane-related costs associated with rerouting milk. The witness 
testified that Lone Star was able to quantify its losses attributable 
to the storm because in September, all of Lone Star's milk marketed in 
Florida would have normally gone to its only customer in the Florida 
milk marketing area.
    The witness testified that Lone Star actually saved on 
transportation costs, but experienced losses in location value of 
approximately $1.80 per cwt, compared to their normal milk marketings 
for September. The witness said Lone Star's losses in location value 
exceed transportation savings, and that they would seek reimbursement 
for only the difference. The witness also identified an $8,800 loss for 
one load of dumped milk and $22,000 in losses for distressed milk sales 
to unregulated plants. The witness summarized Lone Star's net losses, 
after offsetting savings in hauling costs, as more than $38,000 on milk 
normally pooled on the Florida order but which was rerouted or dumped.
    The Lone Star witness testified regarding how USDA should view 
reimbursement for dumped milk and distressed milk sales. If, the 
witness explained, USDA determined that dumped milk was eligible for 
reimbursement at the lowest classified value in September 2017, but 
determined distressed milk sales were not eligible for reimbursement, 
handlers would effectively be penalized for finding an alternative 
market. The witness testified that if dumped milk was eligible for 
reimbursement but distressed milk sales were not, this might 
incentivize handlers to elect to dump milk in future natural disasters 
instead of trying to find an alternative market outlet. The witness 
concluded by expressing Lone Star's support for the proposed amendments 
as an emergency action and urged USDA to omit issuance of a recommended 
decision.
    A witness testified in support of Proposal 1 on behalf of Southeast 
Milk, Inc. (SMI). SMI is a dairy-farmer owned cooperative representing 
approximately 150 dairy farmers located throughout the Southeast, of 
which 64 are located in Florida. Approximately 70 percent of SMI's milk 
production is located in the state of Florida, accounting for a 
significant portion of the milk pooled on the Florida FMMO each month. 
SMI is one of the proponent cooperatives of Proposal 1. According to 
the witness, the Small Business Administration would classify 
approximately 10 percent of all SMI producers as small businesses.
    The SMI witness presented testimony regarding the Florida market 
conditions attributable to Hurricane Irma. The witness testified that 
the hurricane caused every plant in Florida to shut down between one 
and five days and, of the eight plants where SMI delivers, the average 
closure lasted 3.15 days.
    The SMI witness also cited data released by the Florida Department 
of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) reporting tropical storm 
conditions in each of Florida's 67 counties. According to the FDACS 
data, estimated agriculture losses from Hurricane Irma were in excess 
of $2.5 billion, exceeding those of Hurricanes Charley and Frances in 
2004. According to the FDACS information presented, Hurricane Irma was 
the largest, most powerful hurricane ever recorded on the Atlantic 
Ocean, making landfall in South Florida as a category three hurricane. 
FDACS data estimates the value of lost production in the Florida dairy 
sector to be at least $7.5 million. This estimate, the witness said, 
does not account for the losses for which the Cooperatives are seeking 
reimbursement through Proposal 1, but focuses on losses such as on-farm 
structure damage.
    The SMI witness noted USDA declared 19 Florida counties Primary 
Natural Disaster Areas, with another 25 counties eligible for Federal 
assistance. The witness testified that 57 (or 87 percent) of SMI's 64 
Florida dairy farms are located in counties declared disaster areas, 
and these farms produce approximately 91 percent of SMI's Florida milk 
production. According to the witness, some of SMI's southern Florida 
producers reported a 25 percent reduction in their daily milk 
production as a result of the stress to the milking herd. For the month 
of September, the witness stated that SMI members' production reports 
show a decrease of 3 percent, or 4 million pounds, as compared to 
September 2016. The witness noted that the loss in production will 
impact farmers for months to come.
    The SMI witness testified that more than 15 million people were 
without power as a result of the storm and cited state agency reports 
indicating that on September 13, two days after the storm had passed, 
nearly 3.8 million customers still had no power. The witness explained 
that power outages meant that plants were unable to process milk, 
grocery stores were unable to store milk, and customers were unable to 
purchase milk, leaving dairy farmers with no market for their milk for 
multiple days.
    In addition to the disruption caused by power outages, the SMI 
witness described fuel shortages that impacted farmers who rely on fuel 
to run on-farm generators. Without power or fuel to run generators, 
many farmers were unable to milk cows or keep bulk tanks cold. Farmers 
that were able to run generators had difficulty getting milk tankers to 
pick up their milk and deliver to plants in time for the milk to be 
pasteurized in accordance with health and sanitation standards. These 
factors, along with processing plant and road closures, led SMI 
producers to dump over 2 million pounds of milk on the farm or from 
tankers during and after the storm. SMI estimates the value lost due to 
dumped milk at approximately $328,000.
    The witness testified SMI also incurred losses from milk sold at 
distressed prices. According to the witness, SMI estimates the lost 
value of selling milk that normally services the Class I market to a 
cheese processor at distressed prices to be at around $73,000, and an 
additional $19,300 loss on the same milk due to the difference in 
location value. The witness noted that these losses do not include the 
additional transportation costs SMI incurred shipping the milk out of 
the marketing area. According to the witness, dairy farmers will 
continue to see reduced mailbox prices for months to come as a result 
of the milk dumped and the milk sold at distressed prices.
    The SMI witness explained that when electric power was restored and 
plants began to reopen, demand for fluid milk was extremely high. The 
witness noted that SMI experienced additional disorder and expenses as 
they worked to fill the pipeline. The witness said the

[[Page 13695]]

demand to restock the Florida market significantly impacted milk 
movements through September 15.
    A witness testified on behalf of Premier Milk, Inc. (Premier), in 
support of Proposal 1. Premier is a dairy farmer-owned cooperative that 
markets nearly all of its members' milk on the Florida FMMO, with 
occasional sales on the Southeast FMMO. Premier is one of the proponent 
cooperatives of Proposal 1. In September 2017, Premier marketed milk on 
behalf of fifteen producers in the Florida FMMO, five of which are 
considered small businesses.
    During September 2017, the witness said Premier shipped almost all 
of its members' milk to a dairy processor in Orange City, Florida. The 
witness explained Premier began experiencing delays delivering milk 
between September 7 and September 9 due to heavily congested roads 
resulting from pre-storm evacuations. According to the witness, the 
processor then announced it would close its plant on September 9 and 
would not process milk until the power was fully restored, which did 
not occur until September 13. The witness testified Premier took steps 
to minimize losses and avoid dumping milk, and was able to reroute some 
of its milk to a cheese plant in Alabama; however driver availability 
became an issue. According to the witness, Premier also worked with a 
small local processor to skim butterfat from some of its loads and dump 
the skim milk.
    Ultimately, the witness testified, Premier's marketing losses had a 
significant impact on producer pay prices. The witness stated that 
reduced pay, in combination with farm losses due to structural damage 
and lost production, meant some of Premier's members had not been able 
to pay all their bills during the months after the hurricane.
    The witness estimated Premier's total losses to be approximately 
$106,000: Losses for dumped milk at $32,000; net losses for distressed 
milk sales due to location value loss and freight costs at $33,000; and 
losses due to selling butterfat and dumping skim milk at $41,000. 
Premier urged USDA to expedite decision making regarding the proposed 
amendments in order to relieve some of the financial stress dairy 
farmers continue to be faced with after Hurricane Irma.
    A witness representing Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (DFA), 
testified in support of Proposal 1. DFA is a dairy farmer-owned 
cooperative marketing milk on all FMMOs except Arizona. According to 
the witness, 1,367 member farms service the cooperative's operational 
area that includes the Florida market, of which 10 farms are associated 
with the Florida FMMO during a typical month. The witness stated that 
none of its Florida farms would be considered small businesses. DFA is 
one of the proponent cooperatives of Proposal 1.
    The DFA witness explained its members suffered marketing losses 
from Hurricane Irma and were seeking emergency relief in the form of 
reimbursement through the provisions of Proposal 1, as modified at the 
hearing. The DFA witness reiterated Proposal 1's intent to only seek 
compensation for net market losses resulting from the hurricane's 
disruption. The witness testified that DFA supports implementing the 
temporary maximum $0.09 per cwt assessment on Class I milk until all 
eligible claims are paid.
    The DFA witness highlighted Market Administrator data that 
demonstrated changes in daily milk deliveries before, during and after 
the storm. The witness also referenced additional Market Administrator 
data showing a substantial amount of milk dumped on farms in September 
2017, a practice that is highly unusual during a normal marketing 
month.
    The DFA witness estimated the cooperative's losses due to the 
hurricane at approximately $150,000. Similar to earlier witnesses, the 
witness described DFA's efforts to minimize marketing losses. The 
witness said although DFA tried to meet the demand for extra milk prior 
to the storm, movements were difficult and costly because of highway 
congestion and the lack of available drivers. The witness explained 
that only three of the 75 loads of milk DFA would have normally 
delivered to Florida marketing area processors between September 9 and 
13 went to their usual destinations; the rest were rerouted elsewhere, 
in most cases to pool plants and non-pool plants in neighboring 
marketing areas. The witness testified that DFA found an alternative 
market for almost all of its milk, but in doing so, tanker loads 
traveled longer distances and were sold at lower values than if they 
had been delivered to Florida plants. The witness noted that such 
extensive market disruption was historically unprecedented, even during 
emergency plant closures due to power or water loss.
    The DFA witness stated that at the rate of $0.09 per cwt, the 
impact of the proposed temporary assessment on consumers would be less 
than $0.01 per gallon. According to the witness, providing for 
reimbursements through the proposed amendments to the Florida FMMO 
supports orderly marketing, as it recognizes the extraordinary nature 
of the hurricane's impact, and ensures the impact on milk producers, 
processors, sellers, and consumers is shared equally by the entire 
affected market. Finally, the witness urged USDA to expedite the 
rulemaking process necessary to make a determination in this matter.
    The Cooperatives submitted a post-hearing brief reiterating the 
effects Hurricane Irma had on milk marketing conditions in Florida. The 
brief highlighted the unprecedented nature of the hurricane, noting the 
simultaneous closure of all processing plants in the state, extensive 
milk dumping, and resulting depressed producer pay prices. The brief 
noted the lack of opposition from any interested and impacted industry 
participants to substantiate the case for expedited relief. The 
Cooperatives' brief stated that the AMAA provides the authority for the 
adoption of Proposal 1 on an emergency basis.
    The Cooperatives' brief stressed that Hurricane Irma impacted the 
entire state of Florida, emphasizing that historically, hurricanes in 
Florida have severely impacted a portion of the state but left other 
portions intact, allowing the dairy industry to mitigate market 
disruptions. Hurricane Irma, however, caused all fluid milk processing 
plants to simultaneously close from one to five days. The brief 
estimated that during the 10-day period from September 6 through 
September 15, 2017, more than 20 million pounds of milk that was part 
of the normal Florida milk supply had to find an alternative market 
outlet.
    The Cooperatives' brief summarized the marketing expenses and 
losses for which handlers are seeking reimbursement, organized by four 
categories: Extra transportation expenses; lost location value; revenue 
lost due to dumped milk; and revenue lost due to distressed milk sales 
to unregulated manufacturing plants. The brief explained the 
differences between the proposal as published in the Notice of Hearing 
and the modified proposal submitted at the hearing. The Cooperatives 
wrote that the modifications were made following further review of 
actual milk movements and data, as well as adapting the proposal to 
account for the regulatory impact of Florida FMMO diversion limits.
    Regarding transportation costs, the Cooperative brief clarified 
their intention to reimburse handlers for only the transportation costs 
of milk that exceed what the handler would have paid had there been no 
hurricane. The brief also explained that after reviewing data on milk 
movements, the

[[Page 13696]]

Cooperatives realized that some milk was delivered to plants fully 
regulated on another FMMO, and therefore the milk was pooled on the 
other FMMO. Under the language submitted in the Notice of Hearing, this 
milk would have been excluded from receiving reimbursement for 
additional transportation costs because the milk was not pooled on the 
Florida order. As the order limits the pooling of diversions to nonpool 
plants based on volumes delivered to pool plants, the plant closures 
that resulted from the Hurricane reduced allowable diversions to 
nonpool plants and prevented handlers from pooling all of the normal 
milk supply on the Florida FMMO.
    The Cooperatives' brief explained a similar modification made to 
the provisions seeking reimbursement for lost location value. As with 
transportation cost reimbursement, the proposed modifications clarify 
that milk rerouted to plants outside of Florida also would be eligible 
for location value reimbursement, even if the milk was not pooled on 
the Florida FMMO in September 2017.
    The Cooperatives brief reviewed the proposed reimbursement for 
dumped milk and distressed milk sales, and clarified that reimbursement 
for distressed milk sales should be equal to the actual classified use 
value of the milk rather than the lowest classified use value for the 
month of September 2017.
    The Cooperatives brief emphasized the necessity of obtaining 
regulatory relief by outlining the difficulties, in absence of a 
regulatory scheme, associated with ensuring all Class I milk is 
assessed and all Class I handlers are treated uniformly. In addition, 
the brief restated hearing testimony noting there is no market process 
for repooling reimbursable costs and no market arbiter to administer a 
private surcharge and repooling program.
    Dean Foods Company (Dean), while not present at the hearing, 
submitted a post-hearing brief in support of Proposal 1. Dean is a 
dairy processor that owns and operates three distributing plants fully 
regulated by the Florida FMMO. To supply its Florida distributing 
plants, Dean relies on milk from both cooperatives and independent 
producers. Dean's brief expressed support for exercising emergency 
rulemaking authority and instituting a temporary $0.09 per cwt 
assessment on Class I milk to fund reimbursement. The brief highlighted 
Dean Foods' support for the proposed assessment to the extent that it 
funds reimbursement only for losses sustained due to Hurricane Irma. 
According to Dean, funds generated above the amount necessary to pay 
reimbursement claims should be returned to Class I handlers on a pro 
rata basis.
    The Cooperatives are seeking regulatory relief though a temporary 
assessment on Class I milk to provide financial assistance to the 
area's handlers and producers that experienced extraordinary marketing 
expenses and losses as a result of the hurricane. This decision 
evaluated the entire hearing record to determine whether Hurricane Irma 
impacted the orderly marketing conditions in the Florida FMMO marketing 
area to an extent that justifies regulatory relief.
    The record of this proceeding clearly demonstrates that Hurricane 
Irma impacted the entire Florida marketing area. The hurricane's track 
went through the entire state, resulting in significant road closures 
and widespread, prolonged electrical outages. The electrical outages 
caused not only extensive plant closures for extended periods of time, 
but also grocery store closures, which resulted in lost Class I sales 
in the retail sector and a trickle-down impact through the entire milk 
supply chain. The record of the proceeding indicates that this 
extraordinary market situation left dairy farmers with limited--and in 
some cases no--market outlets in the marketing area for several days. 
Proponents stressed that the storm disrupted dairy plant operations and 
retail marketing, but producers could not stop their cows from 
producing milk. This market reality, the proponents emphasized, left 
pooling handlers with few options for marketing milk, and many incurred 
significant losses despite their best efforts to balance the milk 
supply of the entire marketing area.
    The record contains extensive evidence detailing the difficulties 
of marketing milk September 6 through September 15, 2017, the time 
period in which Hurricane Irma impacted the market, according to 
proponents. While Hurricane Irma first hit the state approximately 
September 10, 2017, disruptions to the milk supply were experienced 
both days before and after landfall. The record shows that during that 
time period the Cooperatives, in their capacity as the pooling handlers 
of their members' milk, were forced to transport milk long distances to 
find alternative outlets. As a last resort, witnesses said they were 
forced to dump milk, if no alternative outlet could be found. These 
losses were borne by the cooperatives, and the record indicates they 
have no viable method for recouping those losses. Detailed record 
testimony also shows that the losses borne by producers have directly 
impacted the cash flows of their dairy farm operations.
    The record contains detailed information regarding the 
extraordinary losses for which the proponents are seeking reimbursement 
through this proceeding. Record evidence provided shows total losses 
for the Cooperatives are estimated to exceed $700,000 for the four 
categories of reimbursement, excluding additional transportation costs 
that at the time of the hearing had yet to be quantified by all 
witnesses.
    The AMAA provides authority for payments to handlers for services 
of marketwide benefit.\1\ These payments are authorized to come from 
marketwide pool monies before a producer blend price is computed. The 
record of this proceeding contains substantial evidence that from 
September 6 through 15, 2017, the Florida dairy market was completely 
disrupted due to Hurricane Irma and Florida handlers did their best to 
market and balance the area's milk supply. The record reveals that, in 
performing this marketwide service, handlers incurred marketing 
expenses and losses solely attributable to the market situation created 
by Hurricane Irma. Further, the record demonstrates that handlers have 
no market process for recouping these marketing expenses and losses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ 7 U.S.C. 608c(5)(J).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Accordingly this decision finds a temporary assessment of $0.09 per 
cwt on Class I milk is justified to provide reimbursement to handlers 
for demonstrated extraordinary costs incurred September 6 through 15, 
2017, that fall into the four identified general categories. The 
hearing record reflects that the assessment would have an impact of 
less than $0.01 per gallon on milk consumers in the Florida marketing 
area. The assessment would only be collected during the 7-month period 
starting in the initial month the assessment would become effective. 
Assessment funds would be collected by the market administrator and 
distributed to qualifying handlers who incurred costs in the four 
identified categories, and who provide proof satisfactory to the market 
administrator that costs are eligible for reimbursement.
    This decision finds it appropriate that handlers be required to 
submit all claim requests to the market administrator during the first 
month the assessment would become effective. This would provide 
handlers adequate time to assemble and submit necessary records, and 
give the market administrator

[[Page 13697]]

sufficient time to determine the total amount of eligible claims and 
adjust the assessment accordingly in the last month, ensuring that, as 
accurately as possible, only the necessary funds are collected.
    For all claims submitted to the market administrator, documents 
substantiating the claims may include, but are not limited to, 
invoices, receiving records, bulk milk manifests, hauling billings, 
transaction records and contract agreements. Handlers would not be 
eligible to obtain reimbursement through these temporary provisions if 
they have applied for or received reimbursement through insurance 
claims or through any State, Federal, or other programs for the same 
losses.
    Transportation Costs: This decision finds that handlers should be 
reimbursed for transportation expenses in excess of costs associated 
with customary shipping routes for milk that would have been considered 
part of the regular producer milk supply of the order, but was 
delivered to plants outside of the marketing area from September 6 
through 15, 2017. Extensive record testimony was provided describing 
how Hurricane Irma caused significant road closures and lengthy plant 
closings that forced handlers to reroute a large number of milk tankers 
from their customary shipping destinations within the marketing area to 
alternative outlets outside of the marketing area. In many, but not 
all, cases described, the transportation costs associated with these 
alterative outlets were more expensive.
    This decision finds it reasonable to reimburse handlers for the 
increase in transportation costs for each eligible load over what would 
be considered transportation costs during normal market conditions. 
Record evidence demonstrates that handlers faced unprecedented 
challenges and additional transportation costs and it is reasonable to 
provide these handlers with limited reimbursement for additional 
transportation costs incurred. Limiting transportation cost 
reimbursement to only the increase in transportation costs due to the 
hurricane will ensure that handlers are not being reimbursed for costs 
associated with marketing milk under normal market conditions.
    This decision finds that while the milk on eligible loads did not 
have to be pooled as producer milk on the Florida FMMO during September 
2017 to be eligible for reimbursement, proof must be provided to the 
market administrator that milk on those loads would have been part of 
the normal producer milk supply of the Florida FMMO. This decision 
finds a reasonable reimbursement rate on eligible loads should be the 
lesser of actual demonstrated transportation expenses or $3.75 per 
loaded mile. Record evidence supports $3.75 per loaded mile as an 
appropriate maximum reimbursement rate, based on the proponents' 
industry knowledge of current bulk milk transportation costs. Further, 
reimbursement should only be granted for the transportation costs 
incurred in excess of what the handlers would have paid during normal 
marketing conditions. This decision finds that milk rerouted from pool 
distributing plants to plants outside of the marketing area, milk 
transported off the farm but then dumped from milk tankers, and skim 
milk dumped after the butterfat was removed at a plant would be 
eligible for transportation cost reimbursement.
    The record testimony reflects that the Florida FMMO diversion 
limitations, combined with milk deliveries to alternative outlets, 
caused some milk normally pooled on the Florida FMMO to instead be 
pooled on another FMMO. Much of the milk was delivered to plants in the 
Southeast and Appalachian marketing areas and may have been pooled on 
those respective orders. The Southeast and Appalachian order provisions 
provide for transportation credits on supplemental milk supplies 
sourced from outside of those combined marketing areas. Therefore, 
there could be instances where milk normally associated with the 
Florida FMMO was instead pooled on the Southeast or Appalachian order 
and may have received a transportation credit. This decision finds that 
transportation credits received on loads eligible for transportation 
cost reimbursement through this proceeding would have the 
transportation credits received netted out of any final transportation 
cost reimbursement due to the requesting handler.
    Lost Location Value: This decision finds that handlers should be 
reimbursed for lost location value on milk that would have normally 
been delivered to fluid milk plants within the marketing area but was 
instead rerouted to plants outside of the marketing area because of 
Hurricane Irma. The location value of milk is the Class I differential 
associated with plant of first receipt. The FMMO system has a 
coordinated national set of Class I differentials that set a Class I 
differential level for each county in the contiguous United States.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 7 CFR 1000.52 as adjusted by Sec. Sec.  1005.51(b), 
1006.51(b), and 1007.51(b).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The hearing record shows that from September 6 through 15, 2017, 
there were many instances where the only available market outlet for 
milk that would have normally been delivered to plants inside the 
Florida marketing area was to plants outside of the state. Record 
evidence indicates that during the hurricane, milk was delivered to 
plants in lower location value zones outside of the marketing area, and 
as a result, producers received a lower location value than they 
otherwise would have if that milk had been delivered to its normal 
market outlet. For example, the record indicates that milk was 
delivered to a plant located outside of Florida in the $3.40 per cwt 
zone, instead of its normal plant located within the state of Florida 
in the $5.40 per cwt zone. The change in plant of first receipt reduced 
the location value of that milk by $2.00 per cwt.
    Record evidence estimates the Cooperatives incurred a total loss in 
location value of $30,000. The record supports claims that producers 
would have normally received the additional location value had it not 
been for disruptions caused by Hurricane Irma, which forced handlers to 
deliver milk to alternative locations.
    Record testimony indicates that in some instances, while loads that 
were rerouted to a plant outside the marketing area did receive a lower 
location value, the transportation cost to move some of those loads was 
actually less than if the milk was delivered to its normal outlet. In 
those instances, this decision finds that the reimbursement owed to the 
handlers should be the net value when considering both change in 
location value and change in transportation costs, on a load-by-load 
basis.
    Dumped Milk: This decision finds that handlers should be 
reimbursed, at the lowest classified use value for September 2017, for 
milk dumped on farms, milk dumped from tankers after being moved off 
farms, or skim milk dumped at plants due to Hurricane Irma. The record 
evidence contains detailed information regarding the market conditions 
associated with Hurricane Irma. The hurricane's far reaching impact 
across the entire state caused road closings and electrical outages 
that necessitated the dumping of milk because there were no available 
market outlets. In some cases, producers dumped milk on their farms 
because road closures prevented trucks from picking up milk. In other 
instances, handlers that normally pick up farm milk and assemble tanker 
loads for plant deliveries at an assembly point had to dump milk from 
milk tankers because of

[[Page 13698]]

limited available plant processing capacity. Record testimony also 
described situations where handlers were able to find a market outlet 
for butterfat. In those situations handlers delivered farm milk to 
plants where the butterfat was removed for sale and the skim milk was 
dumped at the plants.
    The record indicates that the market administrator allowed pooling 
handlers to pool the dumped milk. The milk was classified as ``other 
use'' milk and assigned a Class IV value (the lowest classified value 
for September 2017), and the pooling handler received a payment from 
the pool equal to the difference between the order's uniform blend 
price for the month and the Class IV price. The proposal for 
consideration at this hearing would reimburse pooling handlers for the 
lost Class IV value, essentially making the pooling handler whole. 
Record evidence estimates the Cooperatives dumped milk at a total value 
of $368,000.
    Record evidence clearly indicates the hurricane was an 
extraordinary weather event, and despite the best efforts from pooling 
handlers, not all milk could find a market outlet, which led to unusual 
milk dumping situations. This decision finds that pooling handlers 
should be reimbursed for the lost value of dumped milk that was 
reported to the market administrator and reflected on their September 
2017 Receipts and Utilization report. Handlers had 22 days between the 
end of the time period they assert the market was impacted by Hurricane 
Irma (September 15, 2017) and when September pool handler reports were 
due to the market administrator (October 7, 2017). Milk not reported as 
dumped milk on the September 2017 Receipts and Utilization report would 
not be eligible for reimbursement.
    Distressed Milk: This decision finds handlers who sold milk at 
distressed prices due to Hurricane Irma should be reimbursed for the 
difference between the end-use classified value and the price the 
handler actually received for the milk. The hearing record indicates 
that in an effort to find an alternative outlet for the regular milk 
supply of the Florida market, pooling handlers sold milk to nonpool 
manufacturing plants outside of the marketing area at prices below its 
classified use value. Pooling handlers testified that selling milk at 
distressed prices was better than the alternative of dumping the milk 
and receiving no compensation from the market. Proposal 1, as amended 
at the hearing, seeks reimbursement for the difference between the 
classified use value of the milk had it been pooled, and the actual 
price received for the milk. This reimbursement rate would be based on 
the actual price received and the end product utilization, and would be 
verified through documentation submitted to the market administrator. 
Record testimony estimates the Cooperatives incurred an aggregate loss 
on distressed milk sales of $168,000.
    This decision finds that reimbursement for distressed milk sales at 
the milks end-use classification is justified. Similar to the 
requirements for other cost reimbursement categories recognized in this 
decision, handlers of distressed milk loads would need to submit 
documentation to the market administrator demonstrating that while the 
milk may or may not have been pooled on the Florida order that month, 
the milk was part of the normal milk supply of the Florida marketing 
area.
    2. Determination of whether emergency marketing conditions exist 
that warrant the omission of a recommended decision and the opportunity 
to file written exceptions.
    Record evidence supports the adoption of Proposal 1, as modified at 
the hearing and in this decision, on an emergency basis due to 
Hurricane Irma's significant impact on the orderly marketing conditions 
of the entire Florida marketing area between September 6 and September 
15, 2017. The proposed amendments to the Florida FMMO would provide 
reimbursement to handlers (handlers and dairy-farmer-owned cooperative 
associations in their capacity as handlers) who incurred marketing 
expenses and losses in the four categories previously discussed through 
a maximum 7-month $0.09 per cwt assessment on Class I milk.
    The Rules of Practice and Procedure governing FMMO rulemaking 
proceedings allow the Department to omit issuing a recommended decision 
should such omission be found warranted on the basis of the hearing 
record.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ 7 CFR 900.12(d).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Record evidence clearly indicates that the marketing of bulk milk 
for the entire Florida marketing area was significantly impacted due to 
Hurricane Irma. Such evidence includes official disaster declarations, 
reports of processing plant closures and suspended operations, 
widespread and prolonged electrical outages, road closures that 
required the rerouting of milk or dumping of milk with no market 
outlet, and the direct impact on producers' cash flow in the months 
since the hurricane. The record indicates that no market mechanism is 
available to provide uniform relief to all handlers and producers who 
incurred the marketing expenses and losses that have been documented in 
this hearing record. Further, record evidence indicates producer pay 
prices are continuing to be reduced as their Cooperatives have no means 
for alternative financial relief.
    The record shows that the timely implementation of the proposed 
amendments would provide much needed relief to handlers and producers 
who incurred this marketing expenses and losses as a direct result of 
Hurricane Irma. No record evidence was presented opposing the omission 
of a recommended decision. Accordingly, this decision finds that 
emergency marketing conditions exist that warrant the omission of a 
recommended decision and the opportunity to file written exceptions.

Rulings on Proposed Findings and Conclusions

    Briefs and proposed findings and conclusions were filed on behalf 
of certain interested parties. These briefs, proposed findings and 
conclusions, and the evidence in the record were considered in making 
the findings and conclusions set forth above. To the extent that the 
suggested findings and conclusions filed by interested parties are 
inconsistent with the findings and conclusions set forth herein, the 
requests to make such findings or reach such conclusions are denied for 
the reasons previously stated in this decision.

General Findings

    The findings and determinations hereinafter set forth supplement 
those that were made when the Florida FMMO was first issued and when it 
was amended. The previous findings and determinations are hereby 
ratified and confirmed, except where they may conflict with those set 
forth herein.
    (a) The tentative marketing agreement and the order, as hereby 
proposed to be amended, and all of the terms and conditions thereof, 
will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the AMAA;
    (b) The parity prices of milk as determined pursuant to section 2 
of the AMAA are not reasonable in view of the price of feeds, available 
supplies of feeds, and other economic conditions that affect market 
supply and demand for milk in the Florida marketing area, and the 
minimum prices specified in the tentative marketing agreement and 
order, as hereby proposed to be amended, are such prices as will 
reflect the aforesaid factors, insure a sufficient quantity of pure and 
wholesome milk, and be in the public interest; and

[[Page 13699]]

    (c) The tentative marketing agreement and order, as hereby proposed 
to be amended, will regulate the handling of milk in the same manner 
as, and will be applicable only to persons in the respective classes of 
industrial and commercial activity specified in, marketing agreements 
upon which a hearing has been held.

Marketing Agreement and Order Amending the Order

    Annexed hereto and made a part hereof are two documents, a 
Marketing Agreement regulating the handling of milk, and an Order 
amending the order regulating the handling of milk in the Florida 
marketing area, which has been decided upon as the detailed and 
appropriate means of effectuating the foregoing conclusions.
    It is hereby ordered that this entire decision and the two 
documents annexed hereto be published in the Federal Register.

Determination of Producer Approval and Representative Period

    August 2017 is hereby determined to be the representative period 
for the purpose of ascertaining whether the issuance of the order, as 
amended and as hereby proposed to be amended, regulating the handling 
of milk in the Florida marketing area is approved or favored by 
producers, as defined under the terms of the order (as amended and as 
hereby proposed to be amended), who during such representative period 
were engaged in the production of milk for sale within the aforesaid 
marketing areas.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1006

    Milk marketing orders.

    Dated: March 23, 2018.
Bruce Summers,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.

Order Amending the Order Regulating the Handling of Milk in the Florida 
Marketing Area

    (This order shall not become effective unless and until the 
requirements of Sec.  900.14 of the rules of practice and procedure 
governing proceedings to formulate marketing agreements and marketing 
orders have been met.)

Findings and Determinations

    The findings and determinations hereinafter set forth supplement 
those that were made when the orders were first issued and when they 
were amended. The previous findings and determinations are hereby 
ratified and confirmed, except where they may conflict with those set 
forth herein.
    (a) Findings. A public hearing was held upon certain proposed 
amendments to the tentative marketing agreement and to the order 
regulating the handling of milk in the Florida marketing area. The 
hearing was held pursuant to the provisions of the Agricultural 
Marketing Agreement Act of 1937 (Act), as amended (7 U.S.C. 601-674), 
and the applicable rules of practice and procedure (7 CFR part 900).
    Upon the basis of the evidence introduced at such hearing and the 
record thereof, it is determined that:
    (1) The said order as hereby amended, and all of the terms and 
conditions thereof, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the 
Act;
    (2) The parity prices of milk, as determined pursuant to section 2 
of the Act, are not reasonable in view of the price of feeds, available 
supplies of feeds, and other economic conditions which affect market 
supply and demand for milk in the aforesaid marketing area. The minimum 
prices specified in the order as hereby amended are such prices as will 
reflect the aforesaid factors, insure a sufficient quantity of pure and 
wholesome milk, and be in the public interest; and
    (3) The said order as hereby amended regulates the handling of milk 
in the same manner as, and is applicable only to persons in the 
respective classes of industrial or commercial activity specified in, 
marketing agreements upon which a hearing has been held.

Order Relative to Handling

    It is therefore ordered, that on and after the effective date 
hereof, the handling of milk in the Florida marketing area shall be in 
conformity to and in compliance with the terms and conditions of the 
order, as amended, and as hereby amended, as follows:

PART 1006--MILK IN THE FLORIDA MILK MARKETING AREA

0
1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 1006 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 601-674, and 7253.

0
2. Section 1006.60 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (g) and 
adding paragraphs (h) and (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  1006.60  Handler's value of milk.

* * * * *
    (a) Multiply the pounds of skim milk and butterfat in producer milk 
that were classified in each class pursuant to 7 CFR 1000.44(c) by the 
applicable skim milk and butterfat prices, and add the resulting 
amounts; except that for the months of__2018 through __2018, the Class 
I skim milk price for this purpose shall be the Class I skim milk price 
as determined in 7 CFR 1000.50(b) plus $0.09 per hundredweight, and the 
Class I butterfat price for this purpose shall be the Class I butterfat 
price as determined in 7 CFR 1000.50(c) plus $0.0009 per pound. The 
adjustments to the Class I skim milk and butterfat prices provided 
herein may be reduced by the market administrator for any month if the 
market administrator determines that the payments yet unpaid computed 
pursuant to paragraphs (g)(1) through (6) of this section will be less 
than the amount computed pursuant to paragraph (h) of this section. The 
adjustments to the Class I skim milk and butterfat prices provided 
herein during the months of__ 2018 through__ 2018 shall be announced 
along with the prices announced in 7 CFR 1000.53(b);
* * * * *
    (g) For transactions occurring during the period of September 6, 
2017, through September 15, 2017, for handlers who have submitted proof 
satisfactory to the market administrator no later than__, 2018, to 
determine eligibility for reimbursement of hurricane-imposed costs, 
subtract an amount equal to:
    (1) The additional cost of transportation on loads of milk rerouted 
from pool distributing plants to plants outside the state of Florida as 
a result of Hurricane Irma, and the additional cost of transportation 
on loads of milk moved and then dumped. The reimbursement of 
transportation costs pursuant to this section shall be the actual 
demonstrated cost of such transportation of bulk milk or the miles of 
transportation on such loads of bulk milk multiplied by $3.75 per 
loaded mile, whichever is less;
    (2) The lost location value on loads of milk rerouted to plants 
outside the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Irma. The lost 
location value shall be the difference per hundredweight between the 
value specified in 7 CFR 1000.52, adjusted by Sec.  1006.51(b), at the 
location of the plant where the milk would have normally been received 
and the value specified in 7 CFR 1000.52, as adjusted by 7 CFR 
1005.51(b) and 1007.51(b), at the location of the plant to which the 
milk was rerouted;
    (3) The value per hundredweight at the lowest classified price for 
the month of September 2017 for milk dumped at the farm and classified 
as other use milk pursuant to 7 CFR 1000.40(e) as a result of Hurricane 
Irma;
    (4) The value per hundredweight at the lowest classified price for 
the month of September 2017 for milk dumped

[[Page 13700]]

from milk tankers after being moved off-farm and classified as other 
use milk pursuant to 7 CFR 1000.40(e) as a result of Hurricane Irma;
    (5) The value per hundredweight at the lowest classified price for 
the month of September 2017 for skim portion of milk dumped and 
classified as other use milk pursuant to 7 CFR 1000.40(e) as a result 
of Hurricane Irma; and
    (6) The difference between the announced class price applicable to 
the milk as classified by the market administrator for the month of 
September 2017 and the actual price received for milk delivered to 
nonpool plants outside the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane 
Irma.
    (h) The total amount of payment to all handlers under paragraph (g) 
of this section shall be limited for each month to an amount determined 
by multiplying the total Class I producer milk for all handlers 
pursuant to 7 CFR 1000.44(c) times $0.09 per hundredweight.
    (i) If the cost of payments computed pursuant to paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (6) of this section exceeds the amount computed pursuant to 
paragraph (h) of this section, the market administrator shall prorate 
such payments to each handler based on each handler's proportion of 
transportation and other use milk costs submitted pursuant to 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (6). Costs submitted pursuant to paragraphs 
(g)(1) thought (6) which are not paid as a result of such a proration 
shall be paid in subsequent months until all costs incurred and 
documented through (g)(1) through (6) have been paid.

    [This marketing agreement will not appear in the Code of Federal 
Regulations.]

Marketing Agreement Regulating the Handling of Milk in the Florida 
Marketing Area

    The parties hereto, in order to effectuate the declared policy of 
the Act, and in accordance with the rules of practice and procedure 
effective thereunder (7 CFR part 900), desire to enter into this 
marketing agreement and do hereby agree that the provisions referred to 
in paragraph I hereof, as augmented by the provisions specified in 
paragraph II hereof, shall be and are the provisions of this marketing 
agreement as if set out in full herein.
    I. The findings and determinations, order relative to handling, and 
the provisions of Sec. Sec.  1006.1 to 1006.86, all inclusive, of the 
order regulating the handling of milk in the Florida marketing area (7 
CFR part 1006), which is annexed hereto; and
    II. The following provision: Sec.  1006.87--Record of milk handled 
and authorization to correct typographical errors.
    (a) Record of milk handled. The undersigned certifies that he/she 
handled during the month of [insert representative period], 
______hundredweight of milk covered by this marketing agreement.
    (b) Authorization to correct typographical errors. The undersigned 
hereby authorizes the Deputy Administrator, or Acting Deputy 
Administrator, Dairy Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, to 
correct any typographical errors which may have been made in this 
marketing agreement.
    Sec.  1006.87 Effective Date. This marketing agreement shall become 
effective upon the execution of a counterpart thereof by the Secretary 
in accordance with Sec.  900.14(a) of the aforesaid rules of practice 
and procedure.
    In Witness Whereof, The contracting handlers, acting under the 
provisions of the Act, for the purposes and subject to the limitations 
herein contained and not otherwise, have hereunto set their respective 
hands and seals.

    Signature

By (Name)--------------------------------------------------------------

(Title)----------------------------------------------------------------

(Address)--------------------------------------------------------------

(Seal)

Attest

[FR Doc. 2018-06286 Filed 3-29-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-02-P