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Press Releases

March 1, 2024
Virginia Dairy Producers Encouraged to Participate in the Dairy Producers Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program
Program provides reimbursement funding for annual premium payment of the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program
Contact: Michael Wallace

The application period for the 2024 USDA Farm Service Agency’s Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program is currently open and ends on April 29, 2024. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) administers the Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Program which provides reimbursement funding to dairy producers for their premium payment for enrollment in the federal DMC program at the tier one coverage level.

Program reimbursement funds are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Only complete applications received before May 15, 2024, will be considered. To qualify for reimbursement, a Virginia dairy farm must meet the following criteria:

  • Maintain a grade A milk permit issued by VDACS.
  • Be actively producing milk in Virginia at the time of application.
  • Have an active resource or nutrient management plan as approved by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) or a local soil and water conservation district or have a plan that is under review by DCR or a local soil and water conservation district.
  • Submit a completed and signed Commonwealth of Virginia Substitute W-9 form.
  • Be enrolled in the 2024 USDA-FSA DMC Program at the Tier 1 coverage level and have paid the annual premium in full.

“The federal Dairy Margin Coverage program provides funding to dairy producers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed price falls below a certain dollar amount that is selected by the producer. The Virginia Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program assists dairy farmers in the state who participate in the federal program by providing a funding resource for tier one premium payments,” said Joseph Guthrie, Commissioner of VDACS.

Click here to obtain the Virginia Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program application and to access more information. Questions regarding the program should be directed to the State Milk Commission at 804.786.2013 or milk@vdacs.virginia.gov.

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