Benefits of Membership for Companies in Canada and Mexico
The International Dairy Foods Association (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 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
- Instant Advocacy Alerts, Weekly Newsletters & More: To keep members up to date on the latest issues, trainings and networking events offered by IDFA, the association publishes four unique newsletters: Advocacy Digest; Training & Education Digest; Networking Digest; and Connect. Advocacy Digest gives a snapshot of how IDFA staff and members are advocating on policy and regulatory issues. Training & Education Digest provides an overview of the webinars, IDFA partner programs, publications, knowledge products and issues analysis, and special training opportunities available to IDFA members and non-members alike. Networking Digest keeps the dairy community informed about IDFA signature events offered throughout the year. Finally, Connect provides a concise snapshot of the industry news members need to know. IDFA also sends instant Advocacy Alerts to all members to track legislative and regulatory issues.
- Membership Briefings: Membership Briefing 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
Upon becoming a member, we will announce your company as a new member. Through IDFA’s many programs and activities, members enjoy networking opportunities that facilitate the exchange of information and provide the environment for developing new business relationships.
Access to Members-Only Content
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 food safety, regulatory compliance & guidelines, sustainability, milk prices, legislative policies, economic & policy analysis, market research, international trade, crisis management, and much more.
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.
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.
Education and 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. 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.
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.
Publications
- Searchable Online Directory to search for dairy industry colleagues
- Online Buyers’ Guide – find products and services for all project needs
As a member of the International Dairy Foods Association organizations, you are a member of the premier organization that:
- provides networking opportunities, with the opportunity for new business relationships, learning opportunities, and making your company visible to your dairy industry colleagues
- keeps your company up to date on the latest U.S. industry developments
- offers training and education opportunities
- sponsors a variety of events and conferences including the IDFA Dairy Forum, a yearly conference held in January devoted to knowledge-sharing and networking for dairy processors, producers, suppliers and others.
Please contact the Membership Department at (202) 737-4332 or [email protected], if you have any questions.