International Dairy Foods Association

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Farm Bill Dairy Debate

Senate Bill Would Make SNAP Recipients Pay More to Meet USDA Nutrition Guidelines

Milk prices will sharply increase and consumers will be forced to pay more for milk, yogurt, cheese and other nutritious dairy products if a new program in the Senate Farm bill — the Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP) — is allowed to become law.

Representative Frank Lucas also indicated his belief that reverting to permanent law “is not doable.”

Farm Bill Not Likely Until January, Says Conference Committee Chairman

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), who also chairs the Farm Bill Conference Committee, said it’s possible the bill may not be completed until January. In an interview with AgriTalk, Lucas noted that House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has been “very concerned, from day one, about supply management in dairy.”

“We encourage all our sugar-using members to share this editorial with your members of Congress and let them know you oppose spending tax dollars to support subsidies for wealthy sugar producers,” said Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs.

Washington Post Joins Calls for Sugar Reform

The Washington Post ran an editorial last week calling for reform of the U.S. sugar program, an action that IDFA supports. The article mentions the costly program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which “lost $280 million on the sugar program in fiscal year 2013,” and notes that more losses are expected next year.

In related news, a Wisconsin State Senate committee recently approved a bill that would legalize raw milk sales in the state, but Governor Scott Walker indicated yesterday that he may have reservations about the bill.

South Dakota Adopts New Raw Milk Rules; Wisconsin to Decide Next Year

Starting next week, South Dakota will begin enforcing new rules for the production, testing and labeling of raw milk sold in the state for human consumption. In June, IDFA wrote a letter opposing the regulations because product testing is not an adequate substitute for pasteurization and does not offer the same level of safety.

Trans fat in meat from ruminant animals and dairy fats (milk fat) are naturally produced and not under the scope of this notice.

FDA Proposes Removal of GRAS Status for Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Citing concerns about public health, the Food and Drug Administration announced last Friday that it will take steps to eliminate industrially produced trans fat in food. A study by the Institute of Medicine indicates that trans fat from partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs) have no known health benefit and contribute to heart disease, leading the FDA to...

To date, 112 dairy facilities have enrolled, and many have gained energy reductions ranging from 10 percent to more than 20 percent.

ENERGY STAR Challenge Remains Open to All Dairy Facilities

In January 2010, IDFA entered into a partnership agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to promote energy efficiency in the dairy processing industry and encourage members to participate in the ENERGY STAR Challenge. New facilities are welcome to participate at any time, but the enrollment process now must be completed online.

Small Changes Could Boost Nutrient-Rich Options in Schools, IDFA Says

Nutrition standards for foods in schools are generally good, but some small changes would be helpful to encourage consumption of nutrient-rich dairy products, IDFA told the U.S. Department of Agriculture in comments filed Monday.

Boehner Says Expiring U.S. Farm Bill Should Get 1-Month Extension
December 5, 2013 — Reuters
E-Cigarette, Fracking Rule Changes Seen in 2014 Surge
December 4, 2013 — Bloomberg
Gov. Walker Indicates Raw Milk Bill Would be Hard to Sign
December 4, 2013 — Wisconsin Ag Connection
Lead Negotiator Sees January Finish for Overdue U.S. Farm Bill
December 4, 2013 — Reuters

SEE ALL ››Upcoming Events

LABELING WEBINAR
DAIRY FORUM 2014
DAIRY PLANT
INTERNATIONAL SWEETENER COLLOQUIUM
MILK PROCUREMENT

Webinar Series on Dairy Product Labeling

December 10-12, 2013

This series will provide you and your staff with the information you need to produce compliant and effective labels for your products.

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Dairy Forum 2014

January 26-29, 2014
JW Marriott Desert Springs | Palm Desert, CA

The premier meeting for leaders across the dairy industry to come together to discuss the top issues. From the educational sessions to the golf and tennis tournaments, Dairy Forum is the best networking event for dairy industry leaders.

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Dairy Plant Food Safety Workshop

February 11-12, 2014
Tempe Mission Palms | Phoenix, AZ

The Dairy Plant Food Safety Workshop is designed to help dairy processing facilities improve pathogen control practices including PEM, sanitation, and sanitary design.

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International Sweetener Colloquium

February 23-26, 2014
The St. Regis Monarch Beach | Dana Point , CA

Co-hosted by the Sweetener Users Association and the International Dairy Foods Association, the International Sweetener Colloquium has long been considered the industry’s premier meeting. This annual event provides a unique opportunity for key players from all sectors to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global sweetener industry. The 2014 International Sweetener Colloquium will be held at the The St. Regis Monarch Beach located in Dana Point,California.

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Milk Procurement Workshop

March 19, 2014
The Embassy Suites Hotel | Rosemont, IL

Offered only once a year, IDFA's Milk Procurement Workshop provides an overview of dairy industry trends, policy and pricing basics with a focus on understanding milk price regulation, including how farm milk is priced both inside and outside the Federal Milk Marketing Order System.

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SEE ALL ››News Highlights

FEATURED NEWS

December 4, 2013

Tipton Selected to Receive Prestigious Business-Government Relations Award

The Bryce Harlow Foundation will honor Connie Tipton, IDFA president and CEO, with one of its two prestigious annual awards. Tipton will receive the 2014...