Dairy Product Price Support Program and Dairy Indemnity Payment Program

This rule specifies regulations for the Dairy Product Price Support Program (DPPSP), which has replaced the Price Support Program for Milk, and amends regulations for the Dairy Indemnity Payment Program (DIPP). The two programs are authorized by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the 2008 Farm Bill) through 2012. The DPPSP supports the price of cheddar cheese, butter, and nonfat dry milk by providing a standing offer from Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to purchase those products at specific support prices. This rule specifies the minimum price support levels for cheddar cheese, butter, and nonfat dry milk. This rule also specifies the minimum price at which CCC may sell dairy products from inventory. DIPP indemnifies dairy farmers and manufacturers of dairy products for losses suffered due to contamination of milk and milk products. This rule extends DIPP through 2012 and amends the method through which DIPP payments will be disbursed in the event that available appropriated funds are insufficient to pay all claims. That method is changing from a pro rata method to a first-come, first-paid basis.