Benefits of International Membership for Dairy Companies Outside of the United States, Canada & Mexico
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. 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. Membership provides access to U.S. dairy industry information via e-mail newsletters, special IDFA events, the IDFA website, and contact with IDFA staff. IDFA’s expert staff is available to discuss and answer questions about important issues and provide assistance to individual members on their specific needs.
As an IDFA International Member, your 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.
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 the members-only documents on the website, which include current and archived information relating to food safety, sustainability, U.S. economic and policy analysis, U.S. government affairs, international trade, and much more. Some of the international resources include tariffs and custom matters, international standards, and trade negotiations.
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 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. 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.
Networking Opportunities
Through IDFA’s many programs and activities, members enjoy the opportunity to develop new business relationships and friendships. Upon becoming a member, we will announce your company as a new member. Your company will become more visible through participation in trade shows, 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.
Publications
Members can access company information online:
- IDFA Online Membership List – provides a link to company websites
- Searchable Online Dairy Directory to search for dairy industry colleagues and products
- IDFA Online Buyers’ Guide to search for processing equipment, materials, packaging, ingredients, and services
Education & Training Programs
The Associations’ education and training programs provide information on the latest industry developments, including food safety, new technologies, cost accounting, procurement, international trade, legislative and government policies, and much more. Members receive special discounted rates on registration fees for the Associations’ conferences, workshops, seminars, and webinars. 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.
By being a member of the International Dairy Foods Association, you are a member of the premier organization that:
- represents the voice of the dairy processing industry;
- keeps you up to date on the latest U.S. industry developments;
- provides networking opportunities, with the opportunity for new business relationships, learning opportunities, and making your company visible to your dairy industry colleagues;
- presents conferences and events including the IDFA Dairy Forum, an annual conference held in January, devoted to the knowledge-sharing and networking among dairy processors, producers, suppliers, and others.
Please contact the Membership Department at (202) 220-3505 or (202) 220-3506 or [email protected], if you have any questions.