Even though DPAC was originally initiated by Pennsylvania and Ohio dairy producers, the coalition’s vision is national, and the current board of directors includes 9 states with ad hoc members from an additional 6 states. These states -- at this time -- are mainly in the Eastern U.S., Midwest and Upper Midwest. The bylaws organize DPAC as a nonprofit 501(c)5 coalition without dues-paying membership. The coalition operates on donations from fellow producers and the agribusinesses that provide supplies and services to dairy farms.
Chairman Cliff Hawbaker, a Franklin County, Pennsylvania dairy producer, explains it this way:
“What makes this coalition different is that it is an organization supported by donations, not dues, and we represent every dairyman, working for a pricing system that is less complicated and easier to understand. Producers are looking for something lasting with some control in our pricing and supply. And as for free enterprise in America, we want to keep it alive. If you own a cow, you are theoretically a member of this coalition effort, which has the purpose of action on issues that affect our milk pricing.”
The chart above illustrates the organizational vision of DPAC. The coalition is similar to a community fire company of volunteers: It is made up of grassroots dairy producers coming together for the benefit of the greater community of all dairy producers. And ‘friends of DPAC’ can help fund the effort with their contributions.
Join us on Facebook