North American Dairy Foods Companies

Benefits of Membership for Companies in Canada and Mexico

For Fiscal Year 2012

July 1, 2011 — June 30, 2012

IDFA is the umbrella organization for the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), National Cheese Institute (NCI), and International Ice Cream Association (IICA). Members from Canada and Mexico become part of a network of successful dairy professionals, keeping in touch with the latest industry developments, and sharing ideas and business opportunities. Members from Canada and Mexico interface with U.S. dairy processing and manufacturing companies, as well as companies which supply equipment, packaging, ingredients, and services to the dairy manufacturing and processing industry. IDFA's expert staff is available to discuss and answer questions about important issues and provide assistance to individual members on their specific needs.

Specific benefits include:

On-going Regular Communications

News Update Headlines – a weekly e-mail on Wednesdays 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
SmartBrief – e-mail on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with the latest dairy business news
Special communications via e-mail on issues of timely nature
Membership Conference Calls – Conference calls are scheduled every four months to review current issues, actions, and plans. Members are encouraged to participate with questions and comments.

Networking Opportunities

Through IDFA's many programs and activities, members enjoy the opportunity to develop new business relationships and friendships. Upon becoming a member, other members will be informed of your company’s profile--who you are and what you do. Your company will become more visible through participation in trade shows, policy conferences, and educational seminars. Through the exchange of information, members learn more about the fluid milk, cultured products, cheese, and ice cream industries, including new ingredients, packaging technologies, processing and equipment, environmental, product safety, procurement, and many other important areas.

Access to Members Only Documents on IDFA Website

IDFA’s website address is www.idfa.org. Companies 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 product safety, regulatory compliance, U.S. economic & policy analysis, U.S. market research, U.S. government affairs, international issues, dairy security, sustainability, milk prices, crisis management, and much more. Some of the international resources include tariffs and custom matters, international standards, and trade negotiations. 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.

Boards, Committees and Task Forces

Members are urged to participate in committees to provide their expertise and recommendations on issues vital to the future success of the dairy industry. Nominations are accepted in the fall for participation on the Boards of Directors. These networking opportunities facilitate the exchange of information and provide the environment for developing new business relationships.

Education & Training Programs

The Associations' education and training programs provide information on the latest industry developments, including product safety, new technologies, cost accounting, procurement, marketing, international trade, legislative and government policies, and much more. Members receive special discounted rates on registration fees for the Associations' 10+ conferences, workshops and seminars. These programs provide excellent networking opportunities for sharing information with other dairy industry professionals, as well as with suppliers of equipment, packaging, ingredients, and other supplies and services. IDFA presents the International Dairy Show, which provides educational sessions for all job functions and exhibits of the latest technologies for your new product line, new plant, or plant renovations.

Communications and Public Relations

IDFA promotes and defends the image of dairy products, providing factual information in countering activist attacks on dairy products. IDFA acts as a primary information source for the news media and the public on scientific, nutrition, and food safety issues. Key message points are available on a wide range of subjects to help your company respond to public inquiries.

Special Services

IDFA offers special services to members as the need arises. Currently, IDFA's HACCP Certification Program provides complete HACCP training, services, manuals, software and more. Also, IDFA staff is available to conduct full label reviews evaluating all parts of a food label, including the Nutrition Facts panel, nutrient content or health claims, and statements related to trans fat or carbohydrate content.

Publications

IDFA has developed easy-to-use manuals, reports, and statistical publications to keep the industry up-to-date on the latest information. Many publications and online resources are available, both complimentary and at discounted member prices. See Complimentary Publications for New Members. The IDFA Online Buyers' Guide can help members find ingredients, packaging, equipment, and other supplies and services for their project needs.

Receive Complimentary Publications for New Members (one per member company)

Automatically Sent When You Become A Member

IDFA Membership Directory – members are listed at no additional charge, published annually and includes all dairy company members and suppliers of products and services
Searchable Online Directory to search for dairy industry colleagues
Dairy Facts – statistics on production and consumption, published annually
Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) Manual – industry guidelines on ensuring product safety

Available Upon Request When You Become A Member

Dairy Plant Manuals Library--available online for additional fee
EPA Inspection Manual - guidelines for compliance with U.S. environmental regulations and inspections
FDA Inspection Manual - guidelines for compliance with U.S. food and drug regulations and inspections
OSHA Inspection Manual - guidelines for compliance with U.S. worker safety regulations and inspections

As a member of the International Dairy Foods Association organizations, you are a member of the premiere organizations that:

provide networking opportunities, with the opportunity for new business relationships, learning opportunities, and making your company visible to your dairy industry colleagues
sponsors IDFA Dairy Forum, a yearly conference held in January, devoted to the challenges of dairy processors, producers, and suppliers
sponsors IDS, a yearly trade exposition for the dairy industry

Please contact the Membership Department at (202) 737-4332 or membership@idfa.org, if you have any questions.

Note: Most of IDFA's information is available only in the English language. Although the IDFA website is in English, most of it can be translated through a free internet translation service, http://babelfish.altavista.com.