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Benefits of Membership for Dairy Companies in the United States

For Fiscal Year 2010

July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010

The Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), National Cheese Institute (NCI), and International Ice Cream Association (IICA) are constituent organizations of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). 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 via the IDFA website, e-mail, and mail.  IDFA's expert staff is available to discuss and answer questions about important issues and provide assistance to individual members on their specific needs.

So, how do you access all of the information, expand 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 each Friday 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.
• Hotline — as-needed bulletin on technical, scientific, regulatory and environmental affairs sent via e-mail or mail and posted on the the IDFA website.
• 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.

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 product safety, regulatory compliance & guidelines, dairy security, sustainability, milk prices, legislative policies, economic & policy analysis, market research, international trade, crisis management, and much more. The IDFA website is updated daily.

Access to IDFA Staff

IDFA staff provides assistance to individual members on specific areas of concern, whether it's answering a question, assisting with a technical matter, or contacting an appropriate government agency on their behalf.

IDFA is the spokesperson for the dairy industry around the world, participating in international bodies, such as the World Trade Organization, Codex Alimentarius, and International Dairy Federation. 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 successes 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.

Market Research

U.S. market research is available to members at significantly reduced rates through two syndicated 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. To learn more, contact Rob Blaufuss, IDFA economic analyst, at rblaufuss@idfa.org.

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 is sponsor of 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. An online searchable member directory is available to members for finding supplier members who provide ingredients, packaging, equipment, and other supplies and services to the dairy industry.

Complimentary Publications

(Other publications, such as labeling manuals, are available at reduced member rates.)

• IDFA Membership Directory -- published annually and includes all dairy company members and suppliers of products and services.
• Online Membership Directory -- searchable dairy company directory-updated regularly.
• Online Membership List -- review list of all Association members with a link to their websites.
• IDFA Online Buyers' Guide -- find products and services for all project needs.
• Dairy Facts -- statistics on production and consumption, published annually (one complimentary copy available when a member joins).
• Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) Manual -- industry guidelines on ensuring product safety (one complimentary copy available when a member joins).
• Dairy Plant Manuals (one complimentary copy available when a member joins)
  • 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.

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!

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