Thousands of dairy farmers in the Northeast could have some cash coming to them thanks to a preliminary $30-million settlement of a class-action lawsuit against Dean Foods Co.
The suit, filed by Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll PLLC, accused Dean, along with Dairy Farmers of America and Dairy Marketing Services, of fixing prices and monopolizing milk distribution.
The agreement includes $30 million in damages, as well as a requirement for Dean to buy some of its raw milk from multiple Northeast sources. The case against DFA and DMS is continuing.
The U.S. District Court of Vermont, where the lawsuit was filed, may now grant preliminary approval of the settlement. After that, 5,000 to 10,000 dairy farmers in the Northeast would be notified that they are eligible to file a claim for damages.
