News

PARIS, Oct. 18, 2024—The InternationalDairy Federation (IDF) today awarded the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Women in Dairy network with the IDF Dairy Innovation Award for Innovation in Women Empowerment. The awards celebrate the global dairy sector’s commitment to innovation, showcasing forward-thinking initiatives that enhance efficiency and align with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals […]

As the nation celebrates National School Lunch Week, U.S. parents are calling for Congress to reinstate whole and reduced-fat (2%) milk in U.S. public schools. For 12 years, students in public schools have been unable to access these widely consumed milk options in school meals. A new Morning Consult poll, commissioned by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), reveals that the vast majority of parents want these milk options to be available in school cafeterias, as they are at home.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: U.S. Cheese Exports; Frozen Pizza Sales Rise; and an Update on Cheese Markets in a Minute! […]

Added Sugar Reductions by School Milk Processors Removed 2.7 Billion Grams of Sugar Between 2023-2024 WASHINGTON, October 14, 2024— As National School Lunch Week begins, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) reports that its Healthy School Milk Commitment is responsible for reducing added sugar levels by 10% in flavored school milk between the 2023 and […]

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike at 36 United States Maritime Alliance, Ltd. (USMX) terminals will end following a tentative agreement on wages and the resumption of negotiations on a new contract between ILA and USMX. The dockworkers union and port officials have agreed to extended their current contract until Jan. 15 to negotiate new contract conditions.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar:  Update on Chinese Dairy Industry; Trouble on the Water; and Halloween Spending Expectations in a Minute! […]

WASHINGTON, October 1, 2024—International Longshoremen Association (ILA/union) dockworkers began a strike at 36 United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) terminals along the East and Gulf Coast because they had not reached a new six-year labor contract.Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) issued the following statement: “We urge the Biden […]

Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed every October, is a collaborative effort to raise awareness about the importance of digital safety and security. Cybercrimes against food companies have risen significantly in recent years as criminals develop more advanced methods of infiltrating information systems and manufacturing software. In an increasingly online world, it is critical that business, and […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is excited to announce the addition of two accomplished professionals to its team. Samuel Alcaine, Ph.D., will join IDFA as vice president of regulatory and scientific affairs, and Jeffrey Cullen will take on the role of director of video production and digital communications. These additions further strengthen IDFA’s ability to deliver exceptional value and support to its members.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar:  Robust Grain Harvest Expected; Consumer Sentiment Improving; and Mexican Milk Production and Imports in a Minute! […]

The United States announced Chile has approved an agreement between the two countries that further enhances the existing U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement, which marked its 20th anniversary earlier this year and is one of the oldest agreements for both countries. The exchange of letters contained in this agreement formalize protections for U.S. cheese exports to Chile, which make up over half of all U.S. dairy exports to Chile and exceeded $55 million in 2023.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Tight European Milk Supply; Easing Fuel Prices; and Fluid Milk Sales in a Minute! Quick Bites: Crude, […]

By Becky Rasdall, Senior Vice President, Trade and Workforce Policy and Donald Grady, Senior Director, Legislative Affairs, IDFA This Labor Day, IDFA celebrates the diverse, dedicated workforce that manufactures and delivers delicious, nutritious dairy products to consumers all over the world. IDFA recognizes that nothing is more important to our industry than its workforce, and […]

Women’s Equality Day, celebrated every year on August 26th, marks the historic moment in 1920 when the 19th Amendment was certified, granting women the right to vote in the U.S. This holiday is a time to honor a pivotal step forward for women’s rights and reflect on the ongoing journey towards true gender equality in […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: U.S. Mexico’s Purchasing Power; a Macroeconomic Update; and Private Label Trends in a Minute! Quick Bites: Mexico’s […]

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2024 – IDFA provided comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the identification of known or reasonably foreseeable biological, chemical, and physical hazards in specific food categories to meet the requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food final rule. IDFA made recommendations for this rule that […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is seeking nominations for four top awards presented annually to leaders in the dairy industry. Nominations open today and will close on Friday, Oct. 25. Winners will be announced and recognized at Dairy Forum 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. Nominations are now open for the following awards: The IDFA Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award, and the IDFA Workplace of the Year Award.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: U.S. Dairy Processing Capacity Expanding; QSR’s Try New Ways of Engaging Consumers; and Adaptive Retail in […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that Matt Herrick will take on the role of Executive Vice President, Chief Impact Officer. In this new role, Herrick will coordinate efforts across the association to drive policy, advocacy, communications, and social impact strategies in coordination with IDFA’s Executive Team members and subject matter experts.

WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 – Although products and ingredients containing U.S. dairy are currently in the field saving lives today, dairy has not featured prominently in international food aid programs to date. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development recently announced a $50 million pilot program to use non-traditional, shelf-stable commodities […]

More than 1,000 leaders from the world’s leading dairy companies will convene in San Antonio, Texas in January 2025 to do business, exchange ideas, drive innovation, and cultivate meaningful connections. For 40 years, dairy executives have convened each winter at Dairy Forum to push the limits of innovation, collaboration, and excellence to chart a course toward LIMITLESS success for the industry. Dairy Forum is the industry’s most anticipated conference of the year.

Obstacles Imposed by the Federal Government Limit Lactose-Free Milk Options for Kids and Erode Nutrition Equity, says IDFA WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024—An analysis of milk sales across all major sales channels shows that U.S. schools are falling short in making lactose-free milk options available to students. Obstacles like mandatory doctor’s notes, a lack of reimbursements […]

It is imperative that the dairy industry makes its voice heard during this campaign season by engaging candidates at all levels of government from the presidential race down to your local town council. IDFA has several great resources available to our members to help them advocate for our industry’s top policy issues in Washington and explain the positive impact dairy has in policymakers’ states and local communities across the country.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Ocean Freight Rates Reach Near-Pandemic Levels; Inflation Driving More Consumers to Bargain Outlets; and Back-to-School Spending […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today announced 30 exceptional dairy industry professionals from IDFA member companies who have been selected for the sixth cohort of the NextGen Leadership Program, a premier, year-long development program for emerging dairy leaders. Cohort 6 was selected based on their experience and scope of responsibility within their organizations. The group represents the broad diversity of the industry’s next generation of leaders from every dairy industry segment and region of the country.

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2024—Americans have been enjoying ice cream since the founding of the United States, and for the first time ever, Butter Pecan and Cookie Dough have cracked top five favorite flavors. In celebration of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 21, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is excited to share what […]

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2024—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and Ever.Ag are excited to announce that registration for the third annual DairyTech conference opens today. DairyTech 2024 will showcase the pioneers and pioneering applications bringing transformative potential of artificial intelligence to the dairy industry, from processing plant functions to supply chain management, demand forecasting, sustainability […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: USDA Issues FMMO Recommended Decision; Butter Concerns Ahead of Holidays; and Fourth of July Spending in […]

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2024—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced today the promotion of three staff members. Andrew Jerome has been promoted to Vice President, Communications. Andrew Jerome joined IDFA in February 2020 as Director, External and Member Communications. Andrew’s new role will allow him to expand his responsibilities managing the organization’s communications, marketing of […]

A nutrition incentive program that helps low-income families purchase healthy milk is expanding in more than 500 stores across six states. Midwest retailer Meijer recently doubled the Add Milk! program discount it offers to SNAP-eligible participants – upping it to 40 percent off any brand or size of low-fat or non-fat milk. A community event held at Meijer store in East Lansing, Mich., marked the expansion of the program. U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) was in attendance.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: New Zealand’s Milk Production Decreases; Consumer Sentiment Down While Spending Up; and Pizza in a Minute! […]

MADISON, Wisc. June 25, 2024—Leaders from dozens of top dairy companies turned out at Madison’s Warner Park yesterday for an afternoon park cleanup organized by the IDFA Foundation and Wild Warner, an organization created to preserve and maintain Warner Park. The volunteers removed trash, cleared brush, cut back invasive plant species, and beautified pedestrian and […]

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today hosted more than 1,000 members of Congress and congressional staff at its 40th Annual Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party—Washington’s must-attend summertime event. IDFA staff and leaders from U.S. ice cream makers served more than 950 gallons of ice cream, 1,200 ice cream novelties, and 32 ice cream cakes during the event, which was held in Union Square Park in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Future Grocery Consumer Behavior Studies; Most Middle-Class Consumers Struggle Financially; and Ice Cream in a Minute! […]

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, released a Farm Bill framework reflecting the priorities of Senate Republicans. The Senate Republicans’ framework includes several IDFA priorities, namely the outline for a SNAP Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program, or DNIP, which expands on the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives (HFMI) program to include all varieties of milk, as well as cheese and yogurt and cultured products.

WASHINGTON, May 17, 2024 – IDFA recently provided written comments on the draft guidance the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published regarding the establishment of a food allergen program to meet the requirements of the Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food final rule.  The draft guidance is intended to explain how […]

IDFA’s comments to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee highlighted the latest science on dairy fats and the importance of dairy nutrition to all Americans WASHINGTON, May 31, 2024—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted comments to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) urging the panel to maintain and enhance dairy’s role as a […]

By: Michelle Matto, MPH, RDN, IDFA Associate Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Dairy gets a bad rap sometimes, but the truth is, dairy is central to healthy diets for people of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and nutritional needs. This June Dairy Month, let’s explore five surprising facts about dairy that will make you […]

IDFA continues its advocacy before state legislators and regulators in select areas, with recently filed comments seeking compliance flexibility as California implements its extended producer responsibility law. IDFA also joined with allies to oppose key state legislation, including overly stringent extended producer responsibility bills in New York, and bans on FDA-approved food and color additives […]

The Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive Project titled “Add Milk!” provides a dollar-for-dollar match to SNAP participants who purchase nutrient-dense, non-fat and low-fat (1%) milk products, including lactose-free options SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., May 30, 2024—A nutrition incentive program that helps low-income families purchase healthy fluid milk products is expanding to California. The Add Milk! program is […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Private Label Sales Rise; Shipping Issues Persist Amid Middle East Conflict; and Travel Trends in a […]

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2024 – The International Dairy Foods (IDFA) submitted written comments to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) to address scientific questions and identify references for the committee in their consideration of the latest available science that will inform the next set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans. IDFA appreciates the work of the […]

WASHINGTON, May 24, 2024—Accurate front of pack nutrition labeling (FOPNL) can be helpful to both consumers and food companies to ensure relevant nutrition information is accessible when consumers are making product choices in-store. However, when the nutrition information in a front of pack labeling system is limited, consumers may miss out on vital information that […]

The U.S. House Agriculture Committee today approved its version of a 2024 Farm Bill. Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement on the bill. “IDFA was pleased to see the House Agriculture Committee’s 2024 Farm Bill expand the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive (HFMI) to include the full suite of nutritious milk options. Congress created the SNAP HFMI pilot program in the 2018 Farm Bill to test the most effective ways of incentivizing SNAP participants purchase of healthy fluid milk.

‘Rocky Road’ is how most Americans describe Congress in an ice cream flavor WASHINGTON, May 22, 2024— National Ice Cream Month will be here before you know it! In celebration of America’s favorite frozen treat, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) has partnered with Morning Consult to survey America’s love for all things ice cream […]

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024 – Many Americans recognize dairy as a cornerstone of a healthy diet but continue to fall short of recommended daily intake as endorsed by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. An in-depth consumer survey released today by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) and supported by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. U.S. Fast Food Chains Look To Expand Abroad; Online Grocery Sales Continue to Rise; and Restaurant Sales in a […]

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2024—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced today that the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party will celebrate its 40th year in June as Washington’s most popular warm weather celebration. The party on the National Mall just outside the U.S. Capitol Building is one of Washington’s most anticipated for professionals working in food […]

SAVANNAH, Ga., May 6, 2024—The IDFA Foundation and several leading dairy companies donated a truckload of milk and $10,000 to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia food bank today to address hunger in the greater Savannah area. The donations were announced at a three-hour service event at the food bank where more than 60 dairy food […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry.  U.S. Business Activity Dips in April; GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Cut Into Consumer Spending; and Cheese in a Minute! […]

IDFA pleased to see USDA adopt a more attainable sodium target that preserves cheese as a nutritious meat alternative WASHINGTON, April 24, 2024—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), issued a statement today applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final rule updating the meal patterns for the National […]

Joint Statement from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) April 23, 2024—The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed again today that pasteurization of milk consistent with the federal Grade “A” Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) destroys harmful pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) […]

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2024 — Today, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted written comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the administration’s objective to develop strategies that support and advance U.S. supply chain resilience as a priority area in trade negotiations, enforcement, and other initiatives. Those comments are available […]

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2024 — Today, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted written comments to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the administration’s objective to develop strategies that support and advance U.S. supply chain resilience as a priority area in trade negotiations, enforcement, and other initiatives. In addition to these comments, IDFA is grateful to be the only food and agriculture association invited to provide testimony at the […]

Read the latest issue of The Dairy Bar, a bi-weekly report from IDFA partner Ever.Ag. The Dairy Bar features spotlight data, key policy updates, and a one-minute video that covers timely topics for the dairy industry. The Dairy Bar: Stronger Peso Could Bode Well For U.S. Ag; Ongoing Conflicts Put Pressure on Crude Oil Prices; […]

WASHINGTON, April 11, 2024 – IDFA and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) provided written comments to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion to request enhanced transparency and clarity on the process for developing conclusion statements for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) report. You must be an IDFA Member to access these […]

Innovative ice cream and cultured dairy products inspired by bakery specialties and fruity florals were showcased this week at the International Dairy Foods Association's (IDFA) annual Innovative Ice Cream Flavor and Innovative Cultured Dairy Product competitions, co-sponsored by Dairy Foods magazine. The ice cream and cultured dairy product competitions took place during IDFA’s annual, co-located Ice Cream Technology Conference and Yogurt & Cultured Innovation Conference, which drew a crowd of more than 270 industry professionals to Clearwater, Florida this week.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) expressed disappointment in the final rule released today to update the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which maintained the proposed rule’s cuts to dairy in the WIC food packages. WIC is a vital program ensuring that pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children have access to key nutrients that may be lacking in their diets, so decreasing the amount of dairy decreases the nutrients they are accessing through it.

Ahead of an expected U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) final rule on revisions to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food package this month, new polling of 815 WIC participants shows growing concern among participants for USDA’s proposal to cut milk and dairy benefits. Program participants say these cuts would make their shopping for milk and dairy products harder, and nearly half expressed uncertainty about re-enrolling in the program should USDA finalize their proposed cuts to milk and dairy benefits.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a dairy herd in Idaho. one herd in New Mexico and five herds in Texas. To date, USDA has confirmed the detection of HPAI in dairy herds in Texas (7) Kansas (2), Michigan (1), New Mexico (1) and Idaho […]