International Dairy Foods Association

TAKE ACTION TODAY! » Tell your members of Congress to support the compromise dairy safety-net solution -- margin insurance with no supply limits. Visit IDFA's Dairy Counts page and take action today!

Farm Bill Dairy Debate

Why Can't Milk Processors and Producers Just Get Along?

Dairy processors and farmers can work together to sustain a vibrant and growing dairy industry with a strong safety net for producers. But programs that pit one side against the other guarantee a fight, with Congress in the middle. Support the compromise solution — margin insurance with no supply limits...

IDFA expects the Goodlatte-Scott amendment to be brought to a floor vote, where the House will take a strong position against a supply management policy that would restrict job growth, hurt middle-income families and add osts to nutrition programs.

Goodlatte-Scott Amendment Gains Momentum on Way to House Floor

"IDFA is very encouraged by the growing support for the bipartisan, compromise Goodlatte-Scott approach to dairy policy, particularly from important dairy states like Wisconsin, New York and Pennsylvania," said Jerry Slominski, IDFA senior vice president. "We are grateful to Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and David Scott (D-GA) ...

These findings could have a significant impact on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

IOM Report Offers Positive Perspective on Sodium Recommendations

Recent studies that examine links between sodium consumption and health outcomes support recommendations for Americans consuming high levels of sodium to reduce their intake. However, a report released this week by the Institute of Medicine says evidence from these studies does not support a reduction in sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per...

IDFA said it opposes including GIs as part of the overall TIPP negotiations and recommends separate bilateral discussions with targeted goals.

IDFA Supports Free Trade Negotiations with EU; Warns Against GIs

IDFA submitted comments to the U.S. Trade Representative last Friday to support the upcoming free trade negotiations between the United States and the European Union. In the comments, IDFA said the dairy industry would welcome the removal of all trade barriers that currently hinder U.S. exports to the EU, but warned against the EU geographic indications...

In a letter to Congress, the groups urged legislators to oppose The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, introduced last month by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

IDFA, Others Urge Congress to Reject Proposed GE Labeling Bill

IDFA joined with 35 other associations and business groups last week in voicing opposition to proposed legislation that would require special new labels for foods and beverages containing ingredients derived from genetically engineered (GE) plants. In a letter to Congress, the groups said mandatory labeling would confuse and alarm consumers.

Representatives from HP Hood and Hilmar Cheese will explain how their companies are reaping significant returns by creating proactive safety cultures.

Questions on Sustainability, Compliance Issues, Water Use? IDFA Has the Answers

Experts at IDFA’s Conference on Worker Safety and Environmental Issues, May 29-30, in Chicago, will address these questions and many more. Each track -- worker safety, environmental issues and sustainability -- will conclude with an open-panel session to allow time for attendees to discuss their specific challenges.

The next drill is slated for June 5-6 in Alexandria, Va., with two others to follow later this year in Salt Lake City and Minneapolis.

Dairy Food-Safety Crisis Drills Feature Traceability Sessions

The dairy industry’s food-safety crisis drills provide an excellent platform to test and strengthen crisis-preparedness plans and protocols. New this year, the drills will offer breakout sessions that will focus on applying and implementing the proposed voluntary traceability guidelines released this year by the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Washington Week Ahead: Farm Bill Debate to Hit Senate Floor Today
May 20, 2013 — Agri-View
Business Groups Step Up Push for Fast-Track Authority
May 20, 2013 — The Hill
Many Fronts in Fighting Obesity
May 20, 2013 — The New York Times
D.C. to Start Counting Calories on Drink Vending Machines in Municipal Buildings
May 16, 2013 — The Examiner

SEE ALL ››Upcoming Events

MILK & CULTURED CONFERENCE
WORKER SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT
BETTER PROCESS CHEESE
WASHINGTON CONFERENCE
DAIRY PLANT FOOD SAFETY

Milk & Cultured Dairy Conference

May 22-23, 2013
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown | Indianapolis, IN

This dynamic and information-rich conference focusing entirely on milk, flavored milk, milk products and cultured dairy products will feature the most recent developments in ingredients, processing technology and packaging.

LEARN MORE ››REGISTER NOW ››

Conference on Worker Safety and Environmental Issues

May 29-30, 2013
InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile | Chicago, IL

Join us for this conference, designed to help participants protect their companies and employees, conserve energy and natural resources and grow their businesses.

LEARN MORE ››REGISTER NOW ››

Better Process Cheese School

June 12-13, 2013
Offices of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) | Rosemont, IL

Comprehensive review of Low Acid Canned Foods (LACF) regulations pertaining to shelf-stable process cheese manufacturers. FDA recommends at least one operator per plant complete a Better Process Cheese School.

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Washington Conference

June 19-20, 2013
Washington, D.C. | Washington, D.C.,

This legislative fly-in will offer an in-depth review of pending legislation by IDFA’s policy experts, meetings with key members of Congress and the 31th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party.

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Dairy Plant Food Safety Workshop

August 6-7, 2013
Denver, CO

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SEE ALL ››News Highlights

FEATURED NEWS

May 15, 2013

June Fly-In Offers Perfect Timing for Hill Visits; Register Today!

Have you registered yet for IDFA's Washington Conference? The industry’s popular legislative fly-in, scheduled for June 19-20, in Washington, D.C., will...