Membership is based on a company membership, encompassing wholly owned subsidiaries and joint ventures. Below are the categories of membership, with an explanation of each category to follow.

1. North American Membership
   1. Milk Industry Foundation (MIF) Membership
   2. National Cheese Institute (NCI) Membership
   3. International Ice Cream Association (IICA) Membership


2. International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Membership
   1. Affiliated Association Membership
   2. Business Partner Membership
   3. Gold Business Partner Membership
   4. International Membership

I. North American Membership
Member companies who process, manufacture, market or distribute dairy products in the United States, Canada or Mexico are North American members of MIF, NCI and/or IICA. Each Association has its own Board of Directors and operates on a separate budget. Member companies range from single plant operations to large multinational corporations.

Milk Industry Foundation (MIF) - founded in 1908
The 105 member companies of MIF process, distribute and market approximately 85 percent of U.S. fluid milk, yogurts, cottage cheese, sour cream, soft cheeses, eggnog, creams, dairy dressing and dips, as well as bottled water, juices and juice drinks.

National Cheese Institute (NCI) - founded in 1927
NCI's 70 member companies manufacture, process and distribute all types of natural and imitation cheese and cheese products, representing approximately 80 percent of the U.S. cheese industry.

International Ice Cream Association (IICA) - founded in 1900
IICA's 75 member companies manufacture, distribute and market approximately 85 percent of U.S. ice cream and frozen desserts, including frozen yogurt, fruit juice bars, sherbet, sorbet, frozen pudding, water ices, and frozen custard.

II. International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) Membership
The IDFA was founded in 1990 to address the common issues and concerns of all segments of the dairy industry. IDFA also has its own budget and a separate Board of Directors, which is comprised of the officers and Board members from each of the constituent organizations. Although each of the North American Members (MIF, NCI, and IICA) are automatically a member of IDFA, all other member companies are categorized directly under the IDFA umbrella. This structure allows the Associations to better track the needs of member companies, offering enhanced products and services, not only for the member company, but also for each individual staff member within those companies. About 300 companies have membership in IDFA.

Affiliated Association Membership
Any trade association, or comparable organization, representing processors, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, or licensors of fluid milk & milk products, ice cream, or cheese products is eligible for Affiliated Association Membership.

Business Partner Membership
Companies who supply equipment, supplies, ingredients, and services to the dairy processing or manufacturing industry are eligible for Business Partner membership.

Gold Business Partner Membership
Same eligibility as Business Partner Membership; however, Gold Business Partner membership is designed for companies who wish to take a more active and leadership role in the dairy industry, at the same time, giving them the increased opportunity to expand the growth of their companies, e.g., eligibility to serve on the Boards of Directors, participation on committees and task forces; increased recognition opportunities, and more.

International Membership
Companies in the business of processing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing, or licensing of milk products, ice cream, or cheese products outside of the United States, Canada, or Mexico may become an International Member of IDFA.

Association staff provides leadership for its members, government officials, congressional leaders, international agency officials, and other groups to promote the growth and success of the dairy foods industry. The "Priorities and Services for the Dairy Industry" describes the general mission of the Associations in the areas of legislative affairs, economics and milk procurement, regulatory and technical affairs, international marketing and regulations, education and training, dairy product marketing, and the image of dairy products. This website provides a wealth of comprehensive information about the dairy industry that cannot be found anywhere else, such as policy issues; food safety guidance and compliance; economic analyses and market updates; international trade and standards; crisis management; training programs and manuals; directory of members; and much more. The specific challenges confronted by the industry are apparent, and the Association is proactive in its approach to represent the industry's best interest. One of the most valuable member benefits is access to an Expert Staff to answer questions and provide assistance. All members are encouraged to utilize IDFA staff as a resource and extension of their own staff. Members are encouraged to participate in IDFA Association Committees and Task Forces to provide their expertise in reviewing and discussing dairy industry issues and to develop policies, guidelines, studies, etc.

For all members—dairy companies and suppliers alike—the Association provides the resources to broaden your knowledge, stay abreast of current challenges, as well as network with a community of professionals with the same goal—to grow the dairy industry. Below are links to specific benefits for each category of membership:

North American Membership (dairy companies in the U.S., Canada, Mexico)
MIF, NCI, IICA

• Benefits of Membership for Dairy Companies in the United States

• Benefits of Membership for Dairy Companies in Canada and Mexico

• Beneficios de Miembros para las Empresas de la Lechería en Canadá y México

International Dairy Foods Association

• Benefits of Business Partner Benefits (suppliers of equipment, packaging, ingredients, and other supplies and services)
  • Click here to review the special benefits for Business Partners at Worldwide Food Expo 2007!

• Benefits of Gold Business Partner Benefits (suppliers of equipment, packaging, ingredients, and other supplies and services), also includes Business Partner Benefits
  • Click here to review the special benefits for Gold Business Partners at Worldwide Food Expo 2007!

• Benefits of International Membership (dairy companies outside of the U.S., Canada & Mexico)

• Beneficios Específicos Como Miembro Internacional de la IDFA

• Beneficios de Serviço Internacionais do Membro de IDFA

• Benefits of Affiliated Association Membership

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER

A company may become a member at any time during the year. Please contact the Membership staff via phone or e-mail for a membership application or complete a Membership Information Request form. We'd appreciate the opportunity to hear from you and answer any questions.

THANK YOU!

IDFA and its constituent organizations—MIF, NCI, IICA—are member service organizations. It is our privilege and pleasure to serve your company. With the support of each member company, we are able to accomplish our goals of representing the best interest of the dairy industry. Membership is an important business decision and an investment in the well being of the entire dairy industry.

MEMBERSHIP STAFF

Cindy Cavallo, Senior Manager, Membership
202-220-3505 (direct line)
ccavallo@idfa.org