A new agreement to allow more milk producers to enter the Chinese market is underway. That’s according to former U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, head of the Dairy Export Council. He says processors could enter that market in a matter of weeks. Minnesota Milk Producers Association President Dave Buck is excited about the possibility just given the country’s population.

He says that market opening in the very near future comes at a good time because of the surplus amount of milk on the market presently

Buck says China is a great market for several reasons and U.S. agriculture is in an advantageous position not only because of former Ag Secretary Vilsack’s work but also because former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad is now the Ambassador to China and understands ag issues very well.

Vilsack says once clearance is gained to the Chinese market, 80 U.S. dairy processors could begin shipping milk right away.