Washington, D.C. – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today commended the U.S. House of Representatives for approving a farm bill that would allow greater access to risk management tools for dairy foods companies and farmers to address price fluctuations. The bill also would improve the safety net for dairy farmers, provide retail incentives under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to promote milk purchases for healthier diets and require the government to finalize a rule that would allow schools to serve low-fat flavored milk.
“Managing price risk and increasing consumption are IDFA’s key priorities, and we commend House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and other committee leaders for drafting a farm bill that will provide increased health benefits to consumers, while empowering dairy processors and producers to help fuel the American economy,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO.
IDFA also commended Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pa., for offering language that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to finalize its interim final rule allowing low-fat flavored milk to be served in school cafeterias.
“We appreciate the commitment of Congressman Thompson, along with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, to reverse declining school milk consumption by providing students with access to a variety of milk options, including the flavored milks they enjoy,” Dykes said.
“U.S. dairy products companies support nearly 3 million jobs, generate more than $39 billion in direct wages and have an overall economic impact of more than $628 billion,” Dykes added. “Our powerful engine for American jobs and economic stimulus will only continue to contribute and grow under this farm bill.”
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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports nearly 3 million jobs, generates more than $39 billion in direct wages and has an overall economic impact of more than $628 billion. IDFA is the umbrella organization for the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA’s members range from large multinational organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. The diverse membership includes numerous food retailers, suppliers and companies that offer infant formula and a wide variety of milk-derived ingredients. Visit IDFA at www.idfa.org.
Source: The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)
