Deadline for all notarized written comments: 5:00 p.m., December 31, 1998

The Northeast Dairy Compact Commission is seeking testimony and comments on specific subjects and issues related to (1) whether to amend the formula for distribution of monies from the producer-settlement fund, including whether to adopt a cap on the amount of milk, per producer, eligible for the Compact Over-order producer price; (2) whether additional supply management policies and provisions should be incorporated into the Over-order Price Regulation; (3) whether organic milk should be exempted from the Compact Over-order Price Regulation; and (4) whether the amount of, or method for determining, the administrative assessment should be amended.

The Commission hereby gives public notice that it may take official notice, at the public hearings on December 11 and December 16, 1998, or afterward, of relevant facts, conclusions, and other information, data and statistics developed and maintained by the US Department of Agriculture, or the Departments of Agriculture of the States or Commonwealth within the Compact regulated area.

The Northeast Dairy Compact Commission will hold public hearings as part of the rulemaking to take testimony and receive documentary evidence. The hearings will be held as follows:

Friday, December 11, 1998

Holiday Inn at Boxborough Woods - Parade Room - 242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA

Exit 28 off I-495 to Route 111

Public Hearing on Administrative Assessment - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Public Hearing on Income Distribution and Supply Management - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Tuck Library Building - Chubb Auditorium - 30 Park Street - Concord, NH

Exit 14 off I-93

Public Hearing on Organic Milk - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Pre-filed Testimony: The Compact Commission is requesting and encouraging interested persons to submit pre-filed testimony. The deadline for receipt of pre-filed testimony 12:00 p.m. December 7, 1998.

Written Comments: The deadline for receipt of all documentary evidence submissions is 5:00 p.m. December 31, 1998.

Pursuant to 7 C.F.R. Part § 1361.4 any person may participate in the rulemaking proceeding independent of the hearing process by submitting written comments and exhibits to the Commission. Comments, exhibits and pre-filed testimony will be made part of the record of the rulemaking proceeding if they identify the author’s name, address and occupation, and if they include a sworn notarized statement indicating the comment, exhibit and/or pre-filed testimony is presented based upon the author’s personal knowledge and belief.

Notarized written comments, exhibits, and pre-filed testimony should be submitted directly to: Northeast Dairy Compact Commission, P. O. Box 1058, Montpelier, VT 05601. For other than postal delivery: 43 State Street, 3^rd Fl., Montpelier, VT 05601

Fax: (802) 229-2028. Facsimile copies will only be accepted if received by the 5:00 p.m deadlines as outlined above. The original copies must then be sent by ordinary mail.

For further information, contact Kenneth Becker, Executive Director, Northeast Dairy Compact Commission. (802) 229-1941.