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Introduction

The first Milk Control Law was enacted January 2, 1934, amended April 30, 1935, and replaced April 28, 1937, when the Pennsylvania Milk Control Commission was established as a permanent state government agency. The creation of the Milk Control Commission was an outgrowth of the chaotic marketing conditions existing in the 1930s.  During this time prices paid to milk producers fell to one dollar per hundredweight or lower.  Home delivered milk was $.10 per quart.  Pricing wars and destructive competitive practices were prevalent in many markets.

Since the original legislation, several amendments and improvements have been made.  These changes allow Pennsylvania to manage more effectively the marketing of milk and promote the interests of Pennsylvania consumers. In 1968 the Law was amended and re-named the Milk Marketing Law.

In 1985 the General Assembly re-established the Milk Marketing Board (MMB) after conducting an extensive review of its functions pursuant to the Sunset Act.  In conjunction with re-establishing the agency, the General Assembly once again made amendments to the Milk Marketing Law. 

Today, the MMB is an independent administrative agency designated to create stability in the marketing of milk by giving dairy farmers a fair and equal opportunity to market their milk.  Payment for Pennsylvania-produced milk is guaranteed through the bonding of milk dealers and the Milk Producers’ Security Fund.  The Fund was established by the Milk Producers’ Security Act of July 6, 1984.  This Act ensures prompt payment to Pennsylvania producers by requiring the establishment of a Security Fund and by requiring milk dealers who purchase Pennsylvania-produced milk to post security, in the form of bonds, with the MMB. Currently, there is more than $3 million in the Security Fund and more than $100 million in collateral or corporate surety bonds.

The Board administers a comprehensive milk pricing program that enhances the farm milk price while at the same time providing a fair and competitive price for consumers.  The MMB accomplishes this by establishing minimum prices to be paid Pennsylvania farmers for milk, and by establishing minimum wholesale prices and minimum retail prices.  Prices are based upon evidence presented by interested parties during public hearings.  All factors affecting the production, processing, packaging, delivery, and in-store handling costs of milk are considered.

Pennsylvania is divided into six different milk marketing areas.  Each area is regulated by a different official general order.  Official general orders (OGOs) are issued by the Board after hearings are conducted at which evidence is presented concerning that particular area.  OGOs establish the minimum prices to be paid to farmers for their milk, and establish the minimum wholesale price and minimum retail price in each area.  Milk Marketing Areas 1 and 4 are also regulated under Federal Milk Marketing Order 1; Area 5 is regulated by Federal Milk Marketing Order 33; Milk Marketing Areas 2, 3, and 6 are not regulated by any Federal Milk Marketing Orders.  However, some plants in Areas 2, 3, and 6 fall under federal regulations. Federal Milk Marketing Orders cover specific geographic areas and can cross state lines; these orders establish minimum prices for all classes of producer milk.

Both the federal government and the MMB monitor and enforce minimum payments to producers.  Additionally, Pennsylvania enforces minimum wholesale and minimum retail out-of-store prices.  Pennsylvania enforces a state-mandated premium over the announced state and federal minimum price paid to producers.  The state-mandated premium is paid to Pennsylvania farmers for milk that is produced, processed and used in as class I milk (fluid drinking milk) in Pennsylvania. The federal producer price does not consider production and marketing conditions peculiar to Pennsylvania milk marketing areas (severe weather, fuel shortages, etc.). Since its inception in September 1988, the state-mandated premium has resulted in over 840 million additional dollars being paid to Pennsylvania farmers. Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board auditors enforce Pennsylvania minimum payments to farmers through monthly audits of the dealers' books. Minimum retail prices are enforced by the Milk Marketing Board auditors and examiners who conduct monthly store surveys.

Milk dealers, subdealers, milk haulers, milk testers, and weigher/samplers operating in Pennsylvania are required to be licensed by the MMB. The Milk Marketing Fee Act of 1978 permits the MMB to establish fees for certain licenses and certificates relating to milk marketing. The revenue generated from these fees and from fines is the only funding source for the MMB.

The Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board is as necessary now as it was in the 1930s. Agribusiness is the number one industry in the Commonwealth, and dairy is the largest segment of this industry.