What do Federal Milk Orders regulate?

Federal Milk Orders regulate handlers, which are entities that receive milk from producers and are responsible for processing, distributing, and marketing it to consumers. The primary purpose of these orders is to ensure that producers receive a fair price for their milk while also establishing standardized pricing and market conditions for handlers. This regulatory framework helps to stabilize the dairy market, ensuring that milk prices are transparent and that competition is fair among handlers.

The specifics of Federal Milk Orders include setting minimum prices for milk, ensuring quality standards, and defining how milk is graded and marketed. By focusing on handlers, the orders play a critical role in the entire milk supply chain, as they navigate between the producers and the end consumers, determining how milk is processed and sold. This regulation is vital for maintaining a balanced and equitable dairy industry, addressing concerns about fair trade practices and market volatility.