Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted eight requests for export assistance from Darigold, Foremost Farms, and Dairy Farmers of America to sell a total of 635 metric tons (1.4 million pounds) of cheddar cheese to customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The product will be delivered November 2010 through May 2011.

Since CWT reactivated the Export Assistance program in March 18, 2010, it has assisted members in making export sales of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda cheese totaling 31,068 metric tons (68.5 million pounds) to 26 countries on four continents. In addition, sales of butter and anhydrous milkfat totaling 14,968 metric tons (33.0 million pounds) have been made to nine countries on three continents. Nearly 50 percent of the product will be delivered between now and April 2011.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term and long-term by helping member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products.

CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.