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About Us
Advocating for dairy producers and the cooperatives they own
NMPF was organized in 1916 to provide a forum for dairy producers and the cooperatives they own to participate in public policy discussions. NMPF advocates policies to Congress, U.S. and foreign government agencies, industry organizations, the news media, and the public.
We use our unique resources to harness the ever-changing climate in the politics and marketing of milk and dairy products from farm to table to promote the economic well-being of dairy producers and their cooperatives through coordinated industry efforts.
NMPF addresses policies concerning milk pricing, domestic and international market development, agriculture credit and taxation, environmental issues, food safety and health, animal welfare, product standards and labeling, and research and biotechnology.
Our vision
Our mission is to foster an economic and political climate in which dairy producers and the cooperatives they own can thrive and prosper. Achieving such success assures consumers of adequate supplies of wholesome and nutritious dairy products at affordable prices.
This helps improve the bottom line of the associate members who provide services to dairy producers and cooperatives that they represent.
1916
Founding
The National Milk Producers Federation organizes in Chicago, Illinois.
1922
The Capper-Volstead Act
An early NMPF achievement is passage of the Capper-Volstead Act, which gives agricultural cooperatives certain exemptions from antitrust laws.
1937
The Agriculture Marketing Agreement Act
The Agriculture Marketing Agreement Act provides the basis for the modern-day Milk Marketing Orders.
1938
June Dairy Month
NMPF supports the very first national June Dairy Month.
1949
The Agricultural Act of 1949
The Agricultural Act of 1949 makes price support purchases the cornerstone of federal dairy policy.
1950
The Young Cooperator Program
The Young Cooperator Program launches to help build leadership skills in younger dairy farmers.
1967
School Breakfast Program
The school breakfast program begins.
1980
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans is issued.
2003
Cooperatives Working Together
NMPF launches Cooperatives Working Together (CWT), a self-help program to bolster farm milk prices through expedited dairy beef sales, export market development and sales assistance.
2009
National Dairy FARM Program
NMPF launches the National Dairy FARM Program, which sets rigorous guidelines that ensure high-quality animal care on U.S. dairy farms.
2014
Margin Protection Program
NMPF's plan for a margin insurance program, the Margin Protection Program, is enacted, marking the most significant rewrite of federal dairy policy in more than a generation.
