Cooperatives Working Together is reactivating its Export Assistance program, effective immediately, to boost sales of U.S.-made cheddar cheese.
Last used in 2008, CWT’s Export Assistance Program assists member cooperatives with exporting whole milk powder, butter and butterfat. The focus this time will be on cheddar cheese, National Milk Producers Federation president and CEO Jerry Kozak says focusing on cheddar cheese could provide the most immediate positive signal to address continuing low producer milk prices. Kozak notes the sizeable inventories of cheese are hampering a recovery in milk prices.
While the program has previously exported dairy products to 55 countries, CWT is advising its members that it will provide additional incentives for sales to the target markets of Japan, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Australia. CWT believes these are prime markets for sales of significant quantities of cheddar cheese, although it will consider bids for sales to other markets as well.
CWT member bids for assistance in exporting cheddar cheese must be submitted no later than noon Wednesday of each week. The bids will be evaluated and bidders will be advised by the close of business Thursday if their bid has been accepted or the bid level CWT is willing to accept.
The cooperative does not receive payment from CWT until paperwork is submitted showing that the product has been delivered to the customer.
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