Dairy Policy & Economics
The U.S. dairy industry is an important contributor to the nation's economic well being and to the vitality of rural America. Milk is produced on farms in every one of the 50 states with all but five being home to 100 or more dairy farms. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of jobs are created by the dairy industry on farms, in processing plants, through marketing and transportation, in retail stores and in companies that supply inputs to the dairy industry.
Dairy policy in the United States includes both federal and state programs. The two major federal dairy programs are the Federal Milk Marketing Orders system, with 10 market areas, and the milk price support program. Government programs designed to assist international trade, such as the Dairy Export Incentive Program (DEIP), also affect the dairy industry.
Current federal dairy policies and subsidy programs date back to the Great Depression and have not kept pace with the dynamic realities of today's marketplace. The outdated and complicated web of dairy support programs are regionally divisive and discourage innovation. To ensure the United States has a healthy and vibrant dairy industry that is able to meet the changing demands of the marketplace, IDFA continues to call for dairy policy reform.
Articles
-
February 19, 2010
Specifications for Butter Traded at the CME Group Change March 1 -
February 3, 2010
President's New Budget Has Implications for Dairy -
January 29, 2010
Retail Price Trends Anything but Normal in 2009 -
January 18, 2010
Tipton Urges Industry Leaders to Remain Involved, Innovative, United -
January 6, 2010
Secretary Vilsack Announces Members of Dairy Advisory Committee -
December 31, 2009
Dairy Market Update: What a Difference a Year Makes -
December 21, 2009
USDA Expedites $60 Million in CCC Cheese Purchases -
December 18, 2009
USDA Moves Quickly to Send Direct Payments to Dairy Farmers -
December 18, 2009
California Approves Temporary Price Increase for Farm Milk -
December 15, 2009
Vilsack, Dairy Industry Announce Historic Agreement in Copenhagen -
November 20, 2009
Dairy COOL Not Included in Senate Markup of Food Safety Bill -
November 16, 2009
We All Have a Role in U.S. Dairy's Destiny, Tipton Says -
October 27, 2009
IDFA Chairman Tells Senate Now Is Time for Policies that Allow Innovation, Growth -
October 19, 2009
Senators Propose Country-of-Origin Labeling for All Dairy Products -
October 14, 2009
Chamber of Commerce Kicks off Campaign to Promote Free Enterprise -
October 12, 2009
Congress Approves Appropriations Bill; President Expected to Sign -
October 12, 2009
Tipton Joins Pundits, Policy Makers in Call for Political Involvement -
October 5, 2009
IDFA Pleased with Appropriations Compromise on Dairy Producer Assistance -
September 8, 2009
Questions Swirl around Sanders Amendment -
September 8, 2009
Interested in Serving on USDA's Dairy Advisory Committee? Let IDFA Know! -
August 31, 2009
USDA Announces Plans for Dairy Advisory Committee -
August 31, 2009
Wisconsin Farmer Says 'Marketplace Holds Answer to Dairy's Dilemma' -
August 10, 2009
IDFA Opposes Senate Move to Add $350 Million for Price Support Program -
August 10, 2009
DairyLine Broadcast Spotlights Need for Long-term Pricing Policy Solutions -
August 7, 2009
Dairy Processors Ask Lawmakers to Find More Constructive Use for $350 Million in Dairy Relief Funding -
August 3, 2009
As Dairy Hearings End, Congress Reinstates Dairy Farmer Caucus -
July 31, 2009
Dairy Processors Continue Push for Long-Term Changes to Dairy Policies -
July 27, 2009
Risk Management Expert Calls for Pricing Reform at House Dairy Hearing -
July 20, 2009
Milk Prices Discussed on National Public Radio's 'The Diane Rehm Show' -
July 20, 2009
Tax on Sweetened Beverages to Pay for Health Care Dropped -
July 14, 2009
IDFA Chairman Asks Congress for Long-term Policy Solutions to Help U.S. Dairy Industry Thrive -
July 14, 2009
IDFA Chairman to Testify at House Dairy Hearing -
July 13, 2009
IDFA, NMPF Urge House Finance Leaders to Abandon Flavored Milk Tax -
July 6, 2009
It's Official: Al Franken Wins House Seat in Minnesota -
July 6, 2009
IDFA Updates Federal Bill-Tracking Tool for Members -
June 29, 2009
Market Update: The Real Story on Farm Milk Prices vs. Retail Fluid Milk Prices -
June 22, 2009
House Committee Passes Food Safety Measure with Significant Change for Dairy -
June 1, 2009
IDFA, NMPF Urge Senate Finance Leaders to Abandon Flavored Milk Tax -
May 18, 2009
USDA Offers $18 Million in Cost-Share Grants
