Dairy Farmers: The Unsung Heroes of the Food Industry

Advocacy holds significant sway in shaping the trajectory of the dairy industry. The National Milk Producers Federation's Young Cooperators recently highlighted the importance of building connections with elected officials during their annual Capitol Hill fly-in.

They emphasized how personal engagement enables policymakers to understand the real-world implications of proposed policies and keeps dairy farmers informed about potential changes impacting their operations. 

With the dwindling number of dairy farmers and increasing demands on congressional attention, a personal voice becomes paramount in cutting through the noise and misinformation that pervade federal policymaking.

Several crucial decisions lie ahead, including the formulation of the farm bill, discussions on Federal Milk Marketing Orders, the reintroduction of whole milk in schools, and the transparent labeling of plant-based beverages using dairy terms. Effectively addressing these challenges requires grassroots engagement from dairy farmers, their affiliated organizations, and supportive allies. 

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) enables farmer participation in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) order hearing by providing a platform for member cooperatives to coordinate farmer testimony.

They also establish the Dairy Voice Network, equipping farmers with media interview skills and empowering them to advocate for the industry. Furthermore, the organization assists cooperatives in preparing farmers for congressional hearings on diverse topics, including the farm bill. 

Central to their efforts are the Calls to Action, providing dairy farmers and their allies with a simple and impactful way to get involved. By visiting the Advocacy page on the National Milk Producers Federation's website, individuals can stay updated on critical initiatives affecting farmers and access tools to voice their concerns through letters to relevant lawmakers and policy officials. 

Currently, the Advocacy page offers opportunities to support initiatives such as the FDA's draft guidance on plant-based beverages, the SAVE Act defending U.S. cheesemakers, and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. Calls to Action related to the farm bill and Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization will be forthcoming. 

To bolster their collective strength, the National Milk Producers Federation encourages everyone invested in the future of the dairy industry to visit the Advocacy page and sign up for Advocacy Alerts. This ensures advocates receive timely notifications about important policy developments and can take prompt action.

The organization's longstanding commitment to unity within the dairy community remains steadfast, and they seek the support of all individuals passionate about securing a thriving future for dairy.