IDFA Urges Congress to Continue Work to Advance Bipartisan Farm Bill
August 7, 2026 | 2 min to read
WASHINGTON — Citing nutrition needs, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is disappointed about the failure of the farm bill to move forward.
On Aug. 6, the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee failed to advance legislation brought forth by Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) which would have provided long-term authorization of the Farm Bill and made policy improvements that would broaden dairy nutrition incentives, strengthen key dairy programs and provide certainty in the agricultural economy.
The failure of the Committee to advance this legislation is a setback, but the need for long-term certainty provided by a five-year farm bill remains.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, released the following statement:
“IDFA supports the draft Farm Bill brought forth by Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Boozman and appreciates his determination to craft a bipartisan Farm Bill. IDFA is disappointed that the Senate Agriculture Committee was unable to advance the Farm Bill legislation today, delaying action on policies that would benefit American families, farmers, food manufacturers and rural communities.”
“The bill contained several important dairy priorities, including expansion of the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program (DNIP), which would help more SNAP participants access nutrient-dense dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt while supporting healthier American diets, permanent authorization of Mandatory Cost Surveys and the Dairy Forward Pricing Program, a manager’s amendment that was adopted containing the Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act (CURD Act) and permanently transferring the Food for Peace program to USDA, and much-needed certainty for dairy farmers and the broader agricultural sector through a five-year Farm Bill.”
“IDFA remains committed to working with Chairman Boozman, all members of the Committee and the Administration to advance a bipartisan five-year Farm Bill that supports nutrition, strengthens the dairy industry and ensures families across the country have access to wholesome, nutritious dairy foods which they rely on each and every day. It is imperative that the U.S. Senate continues discussions to advance a long-term Farm Bill before the end of this Congress.”
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 $198 billion in wages and $779 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 most 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.