WASHINGTON, March 17, 2021—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement today on the U.S. Senate confirmation of Katherine Tai to serve as U.S. Trade Representative:

“Katherine Tai is an experienced and knowledgeable trade expert who will position U.S. interests above those of competitors, remain vigilant to protect U.S. businesses from a myriad of barriers to trade, and who will embrace diplomacy and relationship-building. IDFA is eager to get to work with Ambassador Tai, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, and the U.S. federal government to quickly and effectively negotiate preferential trade agreements with U.S. trading partners that include meaningful access for U.S. dairy and other food and agricultural goods. That starts with reauthorization of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) before it expires in 2021 to ensure a strong negotiating position for the United States. The future success and viability of U.S. dairy businesses and the 3 million American jobs and over $6 billion in U.S. exports they support relies on the health of global market opportunities. IDFA offers our partnership to Ambassador Tai and the staff at USTR to position U.S. dairy for success.”

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $159 billion in wages and $620 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

IDFA Media Contact

Gene Grabowski

Special Advisor and Spokesman