Dairy farmers can enroll in the new dairy support program, the insurance-like Margin Protection Program, until Dec 5, one more week than originally announced, said the Agriculture Department. USDA also announced it will accept public comments until Dec 15 on how to operate the dairy subsidy program and the related Dairy Product Donation Program, to dispose of surpluses.
MPP makes a payment when the margin – the difference between milk prices and feed costs – falls below a level selected by dairy farmers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said the new deadline will help producers “make thoughtful and well-studied choices.” If they enroll, producers have to stay in MPP through 2018 but they can adjust coverage levels annually.