Dairy Foods Trade Associations
Benefits of Membership for IDFA Affiliated Associations
For Fiscal Year 2010
July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010
IDFA is a leading player in the formation of positive domestic and international dairy policies. IDFA's voice speaks with powerful impact on a myriad of issues and challenges facing the dairy industry. Members become part of a network of successful dairy professionals, keeping in touch with the latest industry developments and sharing ideas and business opportunities. Members have access to information through a variety of formats—e-mail, mail and fax. IDFA's expert staff is available to discuss and answer any questions about important issues.
So, how do you access all of the information, broaden your knowledge, and become an integral part of this network of dairy professionals? Here's how:
On-Going Regular Communications
- News Update Headlines — a weekly e-mail on Mondays with a link to the IDFA website with news on current industry and Association activities. For late-breaking news, members will receive an e-mail with a link to the IDFA website.
- IDFA SmartBrief — an e-mail on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with the latest dairy business news.
- Hotline — as-needed bulletin on technical, scientific, regulatory and environmental affairs available via mail or e-mail, as well as posted on the Members Only section of IDFA's website.
- Alert — as-needed bulletin on legislative activities.
Access to Members-Only Documents on IDFA Website
IDFA's website address is www.idfa.org. Companies will find IDFA position papers, testimony and comments, links to government documents, and other important information. Members receive a password to access members-only documents on the website, which include current and archived information relating to sanitation, product safety, compliance, economic & policy analysis, market research, government affairs, international issues, and much more. The IDFA website is updated daily.
Access to IDFA Staff
IDFA provides expert assistance for its members, answering questions on technical, scientific, regulatory, and environmental affairs; legislative issues before the U.S. Congress; U.S. economic and policy analyses; crisis management and activist attacks on dairy products; and international affairs.
IDFA is spokesperson for the dairy industry around the world, participating in international bodies, such as the World Trade Organization, Codex Alimentarius, and International Dairy Federation. Areas of special expertise are international trade, health and sanitation issues, economic regulations, environmental and worker safety, and legislative matters. IDFA also networks with other dairy and food organizations around the world.
Market Research
U.S. market research is available to members at significantly reduced rates through separate market research programs—Cheese Market Research Project and Cultured Dairy Products and Ice Cream Report. Each program provides information on national sales trends, production trends, and much more.
Communications and Public Relations
IDFA promotes and defends the image of dairy products, providing factual information in countering activist attacks on dairy products. IDFA has developed programs to educate consumers on the nutritive value of dairy products. Key message points are available on a wide range of subjects to help your company respond to public inquiries, such as foot and mouth disease, biotechnology, lactose intolerance, use of growth hormones, etc. IDFA acts as a primary information source for the news media and the public on scientific, nutrition, and food safety issues.
Educational Seminars
The Associations' educational seminars also provide for excellent networking opportunities. Members receive special discounted rates on registration fees for IDFA's 10+ conferences, workshops and seminars on the latest industry developments, including technology, e-commerce, HACCP, plant operations, procurement, marketing , and many other areas. Members receive information on upcoming conferences via mail and e-mail. These conferences provide excellent networking opportunities with dairy industry professionals, as well as with suppliers of equipment, packaging, ingredients, and other supplies and services.
Publications and Online Services
Many publications and online services are available, both complimentary and at discounted member prices. IDFA's educational products provide dairy professionals with information on regulations, efficient and safe operating procedures, marketing information, and current industry trends and profitability data. IDFA has developed easy-to-use databases, manuals, reports, videos and statistical publications to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest information. Each year, Affiliated Association members receive a complimentary copy of the IDFA Membership Directory. An online member service includes a searchable directory so you can find dairy company members and supplier members who provide ingredients, packaging, equipment, and other supplies and services to the dairy industry.
Please contact Cindy Cavallo, Assistant Director of Membership, at (202) 220-3505 or membership@idfa.org, if you have any questions. We look forward to serving you!
