As food and agriculture policy makers returned to Washington this week, many had the opportunity to read about the powerful effect that the dairy product industry has on local, state and national economies.

In a story about the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement, The Washington Post quoted Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO, saying abandoning the agreement would put the U.S. dairy industry at risk of facing steep tariffs. The article cited the number of jobs created by dairy companies and provided a link to the interactive economic impact tool on IDFA’s website.

In addition,  POLITICO’s Morning Agriculture Newsletter featured IDFA-sponsored text and banner ads telling readers that U.S. dairy foods companies employ more than 975,000 skilled individuals, generate more than $39 billion in direct wages and have an overall economic impact of more than $200 billion. The daily newsletter reaches more than 15,000 readers and is targeted to policy makers in Congress and the administration.

“Between now and the end of 2017, a number of issues affecting dairy--such as free trade agreements--will be shaped by policy makers here in Washington,” said Dave Carlin, IDFA senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy. “Which is why this fall is a good time to demonstrate the significant economic impact dairy companies have across the supply chain nationally and by state and congressional district.”

Through briefings with congressional and federal agencies, outreach to the news media and collaboration with other food and agriculture organizations, IDFA will continue to promote the dairy industry’s ability to drive economic growth.

For more information on the economic impact tool or to explore additional ways a member can customize the data, contact Carlin at dcarlin@idfa.org.