• Membership Categories
• Benefits of Membership
  • Dairy Foods Companies
    • United States
    • Canada & Mexico
    • International
  • Industry Suppliers
  • Associations
• How to Become a Member
• Membership Lists
• Dairy Company Member Directory
• Members Only Password
• Update My Information

Benefits of International Membership for Dairy Companies Outside of the United States, Canada & Mexico

For Fiscal Year 2010

July 1, 2009 — June 30, 2010

IDFA International Members are part of a network of successful dairy professionals, keeping in touch with the latest industry developments, and sharing ideas and business opportunities. IDFA International Members have access to U.S. dairy industry information through a variety of formats — the IDFA website, e-mail, mail, and fax. IDFA's expert staff is available to discuss and answer any questions about important issues currently facing the dairy industry. International Members 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.

As an IDFA International Member, your specific benefits include:

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 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.

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 the 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.

On-going Regular Communications

• News Update — Members will receive an e-mail each Monday with news on current Association and policy news, with a link to the IDFA website. For late-breaking news, members will receive an e-mail with a link to the IDFA website.
• IDFA SmartBrief — Members will receive an e-mail every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, regarding the latest dairy business news.
• Hotline — as-needed bulletin on technical, scientific, regulatory and environmental affairs available via mail or e-mail, and posted on the IDFA website.

Receive Complimentary Publications

Availability online as indicated in the Bookstore.

• Automatically Sent When You Become A Member
  • IDFA Membership Directory — members are listed at no additional charge, published annually.
  • IDFA Membership Directory — online version is updated regularly.
  • 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
  • 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.

Educational Seminars

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. These events provide for excellent networking opportunities with fellow dairy processors, as well as suppliers of equipment, packaging, ingredients, and service providers. Members will receive information on upcoming conferences, workshops, and seminars via mail and e-mail.

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.

By being a member of the International Dairy Foods Association, you are a member of the premiere organization that:

1. co-sponsors Worldwide Food Expo, a biennial trade exposition for the food and dairy industry, expecting 30,000 industry leaders from 150 countries;
2. sponsors IDFA Dairy Forum, a yearly conference held in January, devoted to the challenges of dairy processors, producers, and suppliers;
3. provides networking opportunities, with the opportunity for new business relationships, learning opportunities, and making your company visible to your dairy industry colleagues.

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://world.altavista.com.

Back to Top