A group of Northeast dairy farmers has filed a lawsuit against Kansas City-based Dairy Farmers of America and Dallas-based Dean Foods Co., charging they fixed prices and monopolized the fluid milk distribution market. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vt., on Oct. 8, seeks class-action status.
Several Maine organic dairy farmers are calling for a nationwide boycott of all HP Hood products, including the Stonyfield brand of organic milk, to call attention to what they say are unfair business practices.
Quality Assurance International suspended the organic certification of Vander Eyk Dairy on May 16 for noncompliance. The suspension initially suggested that the third-party certification process is effective and working.
With the purchase of Humboldt Creamery, Foster Farms Dairy now holds a significant position in the organic milk market.
Dairy farmers were hit hard by the recession. But now, after a tough 2009, organic milk markets are moo-ving forward.
Although the federal government requires clear labels for eight common allergens, a study found that foods from small companies were more likely to be unlabeled yet contaminated with allergens than brands from larger companies.