Opening Markets to U.S. Dairy Improves Access to Nutrition

By Jerry Brown

A first-of-its-kind study published in the peer-reviewed journal Food Policy concludes that by complementing local production, U.S. dairy exports to lower and middle-income countries (LMICs) significantly increased availability of critical nutrients that help combat malnutrition, stunting, blindness, weakened bones, and other poor health outcomes. 

In LMICs, U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) more than doubled the amount of high-quality protein available to meet recommended daily intake, along with increasing availability of vitamin A by 136%, zinc by 108%, and vitamin B12 and calcium by 88% (compared to pre-FTA figures). These nutritional gains provided by trade play a complementary role where domestic dairy production is insufficient to meet demand.

Adequate intake of protein is crucial for preventing stunted growth, while zinc plays a vital role in growth, development, and robust immunity; vitamin B12 is needed for red blood cell formation and the prevention of anemia; calcium (50% of which is provided by milk globally) is needed to build and maintain strong bones; and deficiency of Vitamin A is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness.

USDEC President & CEO Krysta Harden commented:

"This critical research underscores the enormous positive impact U.S. dairy has on nutrition around the world, providing valuable insights for producers and USDEC member companies.

The benefits of expanding dairy trade extend beyond economic returns and, in fact, directly support the health of people around the world by increasing the availability and affordability of nutrients linked to important health benefits – especially for the young, elderly, and vulnerable populations.”