(click on images to enlarge)
The Vermont Attorney General has several items from the so-called Northeast case on its website.
One document is particularly interesting and is at the above link. The pages above are from that link.
Obviously, where there is no competition, prices to dairy farmers are depressed. this is what is known as a "horizontal agreement" and is illegal. Additionally, DFA/DMS is party to a long standing consent decree and this type of "deal" is a violation of that agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
This case results from government, particularly, the U.S. government not following their own laws:
The Code of Federal Regulations states:
608c(7)
(7) Terms common to all orders
In the case of the agricultural commodities and the products thereof specified in subsection (2) of this section orders shall contain one or more of the following terms and conditions:
(A) Prohibiting unfair methods of competition and unfair trade practices in the handling thereof.
Where is USDA? Where is DOJ? That's right, according to the so-called man on the street. the people want less government. Nobody wants an intrusive, oppressive government but, as the ancient Greeks said, "Who will guard us from the guards."
http://www.atg.state.vt.us/assets/files/DFOA%20Plaintiffs%20Reply%20Memo.pdfhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
