Uncategorized

USDEC, NMPF and CCFN Praise Nomination of Katherine Tai to be U.S. Trade Representative

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) praised President-elect Biden’s selection of Katherine Tai for nomination as the next United States Trade Representative.

“With the growing importance of agricultural exports to the financial well-being of America’s dairy farmers, the U.S. Dairy Export Council is excited to welcome President-elect Biden’s nomination of Katherine Tai as U.S. Trade Representative,” said Krysta Harden, Chief Operating Officer of USDEC. “As a central member of the President-elect’s economic team, Ms. Tai will be able to ensure that agricultural exports remain strong and continue to grow, including through strong enforcement of trade agreements.”

“On behalf of America’s dairy producers, the National Milk Producers Federation welcomes the naming of Katherine Tai for the position of U.S. Trade Representative,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF. “With over 15 percent of U.S. milk production being exported each year, new trade agreements and enforcement of current trade agreements are critical for the livelihood of America’s dairy farmers. We hope to see swift action by Congress to confirm Ms. Tai to this critical position and look forward to working closely with her on agriculture and trade policies that benefit America’s dairy farmers.”

“The Consortium for Common Food Names congratulates Ms. Tai on her nomination for the role as the chief trade ambassador for the United States,” said Jaime Castaneda, Executive Director of CCFN. “We are looking forward to working alongside Ms. Tai and the USTR team to ensure the rights of U.S. food producers, retailers and consumers to market and purchase commonly-named products are not further restricted by predatory EU trade practices.”

NMPF, USDEC and CCFN have enjoyed a long history of working with Ms. Tai throughout the course of numerous negotiations including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and U.S.- Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We have been impressed by her strategic insight, dedication and ardent efforts to work on behalf of improved trade policies for U.S. farmers, workers and businesses across the country.

Dairy Industry Applauds USTR Action to Address Canadian TRQ Violations

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applaud today’s announcement that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) will initiate official consultations with Canada to examine the administration of its dairy Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) obligations. The two organizations, with strong bipartisan backing from Congress, have long raised the alarm about the need to ensure the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is fully enforced, due to Canada’s history of undermining its trade commitments.

“USMCA is designed to improve trade with Canada, while modifying some of Canada’s trade-distorting dairy policies. We knew from day one that enforcement would be key to bringing the intended benefits home to America’s dairy industry. I applaud USTR for hearing our concerns and relying on our guidance to take this critical enforcement step to ensure that the agreement is executed in both letter and spirit,” said Tom Vilsack, president and CEO of USDEC. “This is the critical first step, but more work may be needed to ensure Canada complies with its Class 7 related USMCA commitments as well.”

Even prior to its entry into force, USDEC and NMPF monitored Canada’s actions regarding its USMCA commitments and urged Congress and the administration to make this a priority as soon as USMCA entered into force. Canada has distorted its TRQ administration to limit imports from the U.S. Earlier this year, USDEC and NMPF highlighted for USTR and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the inconsistencies between Canada’s dairy TRQ allocations and Canada’s USMCA obligations. In a detailed filing submitted to the administration, NMPF and USDEC provided the agencies with a specific legal review of the Canadian TRQ system and an explanation of the negative impacts resulting from them.

“America’s dairy farmers appreciate USTR’s commitment to the fair and transparent enforcement of USMCA. Enforcement has been one of the top priorities of our industry since the final agreement was announced, and we’ve worked diligently to ensure that it remains one of USTR’s top priorities, as well. Only when Canada is held fully accountable to its trade commitments will America’s dairy farmers be able to realize the full benefit of the provisions that the U.S. government worked so hard to secure,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We look forward to working closely with the incoming administration as well since enforcement efforts are likely to require sustained focus going forward.”

The concerns raised by USDEC and NMPF have been echoed by a broad bipartisan coalition of members of Congress. In August, 104 Representatives sent a letter to USTR and USDA asking for Canada to be held accountable to its trade promises while a letter in the Senate was signed by 25 Senators. USDEC and NMPF commend the continued engagement of so many members of Congress on this important issue.

NMPF Urges USDA to Extend DMC Signup Deadline

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Milk Producers Federation urged USDA to extend signup for the 2021 Dairy Margin Coverage to Jan. 30, 2021, allowing dairy farmers to make better-informed choices while giving both milk producers and USDA staff strained by coronavirus-related challenges additional time to communicate. The current signup deadline of Friday, Dec. 11 remains in place while USDA considers NMPF’s request.

“Extending the DMC deadline to the end of next month will allow farmers to better focus on the turbulent marketing environment we now expect to see in 2021, once we are through the upcoming holiday season,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF, in the letter. “An extension would allow more time for interaction between USDA staff and farmers – both of whom are working through the challenges of this very difficult year.” USDA last week announced a similar one-month deadline extension to assist fisherman applying for its seafood trade relief program.

The DMC, the main federal risk-protection tool for dairy farmers, is projected to provide support to producers enrolled at the maximum $9.50/cwt. coverage level through at least the first half of 2021, as volatile market conditions are expected to persist well into next year. NMPF is urging dairy farmers to sign up for the program, given the high likelihood that payments will far exceed premiums next year.

NMPF has produced an easy-to-digest brochure highlighting the benefits of DMC coverage and an explanation of how the program works. Dairy producers can also visit NMPF’s page on risk management to learn more about DMC and other tools to promote financial security for dairy operations.

Dairy Defined: Where Dairy Terms are Done Right – a Photo Essay

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

This week’s Dairy Defined is a little different: It’s a multi-lingual tour of alternative beverages, coming to you from the European Union, where an oat drink is called … an oat drink.

While many EU dairy policies leave much to be desired, its approach to dairy labeling shows how it’s possible to name beverages accurately, no matter what fake-milk marketers and FDA inaction may enable in the United States. From “hirse” and “chanvre” to “amande” and “soja,” EU grocery shoppers have a wealth of plant-based beverages to choose from – and somehow those beverages manage to exist, like they do in almost the entire world, without being called milk.

Don’t believe it? Click here for proof.

NMPF Congratulates Rep. David Scott on Election as Chairman of House Agriculture Committee

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Milk Producers Federation today congratulated Representative David Scott (D-GA) on being elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. Rep. Scott has served on the committee since coming to Congress in 2003.

“We congratulate Congressman Scott on his new role as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee and look forward to working closely with him to address the challenges facing the nation’s dairy farmers and their cooperatives,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO. “We value his years of service on the committee and appreciate his support on numerous issues, ranging from nutrition to environmental policy.”

Rep. Scott previously served as Chairman of the Dairy Subcommittee during the 2009 dairy market collapse and has supported bipartisan legislation to enhance milk consumption in our schools. In addition to his work on multiple farm bills, he has also backed several important environmental and sustainability measures, including 2016 agricultural biotechnology disclosure legislation.

“Representative Scott oversaw the Dairy Subcommittee at an important time for the industry, during the unprecedented downturn of 2009. We look forward to once again partnering with him as dairy producers continue to weather significant challenges, including those brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic during the last year,” Mulhern said.

NMPF Celebrates Rep. Glenn Thompson’s Election as Ranking Member of House Agriculture Committee

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Milk Producers Federation today congratulated Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) on being elected by his colleagues to serve as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee in the 117th Congress. Rep. Thompson is the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers and been a champion of dairy producers on the House Agriculture Committee since coming to Congress in 2009.

“We have enjoyed working with Congressman Thompson and his team for years. GT has been a vocal and effective advocate for the needs of dairy farmers in Pennsylvania and throughout the country,” said Jim Mulhern, NMPF president and CEO. “He also has a keen understanding of the need to build a vibrant rural economy to sustain a safe, abundant, and affordable food supply to nourish our country and our planet.”

During his time in Congress, Rep. Thompson has played a critical role in enacting bipartisan policies that create an effective climate for dairy farmers and their cooperatives to produce safe, healthy dairy products in an environmentally sustainable manner. As Vice Chairman of the Agriculture Committee, GT worked with his colleagues to secure much-needed dairy policy reforms, culminating in the Dairy Margin Coverage program created in the 2018 Farm Bill.

Congressman Thompson served as Chairman of the Conservation and Nutrition Subcommittees during the writing of the last two farm bills. He has championed bipartisan legislation to improve the effectiveness of farm bill conservation programs and to enhance consumption of nutritious dairy products. In addition, GT has been a vocal advocate for expanding markets for all farmers, helping to push through the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement last year.

“Congressman Thompson’s bipartisan record of achievement speaks for itself, and we are eager to work with him to build on that record as he assumes his new role,” said Mulhern. “We congratulate GT on his appointment as Ranking Member and know he will continue to be a leading voice in the House for dairy and all of agriculture.”

NMPF featured Rep. Thompson on its Dairy Defined podcast earlier this year. The full interview is available here.

Reminder: NMPF Dairy-Economy Webinar Today; DMC Brochure Available

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

To better inform the dairy community of what it should expect from next year’s economy as well as what risk-management options are available, the National Milk Producers Federation is offering a free webinar today at 1:30 EST to help them develop effective risk management plans that can protect them in what’s predicted to be a volatile 2021. Registration is here.

NMPF Chief Economist Peter Vitaliano will discuss the dairy price outlook for next year and the value of risk management tools, including Dairy Margin Coverage, in the webinar moderated by Chris Galen, NMPF’s Senior Vice President for Member Services. Participants will be able to ask questions about the year ahead and learn more about how farmers can manage their risk through expected turbulence.  The webinar will examine the milk and feed price forecast, forecast margins, and analyze how the Dairy Margin Coverage program will offer farmers protection against price volatility.

The deadline for DMC signup, as well as signups for the latest round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, is Dec. 11. The DMC also offers affordable protection to all producers against price catastrophes and can be used in tandem with other risk management tools, such as the Dairy-Revenue Protection and the Livestock Gross Margin programs. NMPF has also produced an easy-to-digest brochure highlighting the benefits of DMC coverage and an explanation of how the program works. Dairy producers can also visit NMPF’s page on risk management to learn more about DMC, CFAP and other tools to promote financial security for dairy operations.

NMPF Awarded USDA Grant to Advance On-farm Biosecurity

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Milk Producers Federation today was awarded funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to develop and improve biosecurity on U.S. dairy farms.  

As one of two livestock industry organizations chosen along with 16 state animal health authorities and 14 land-grant universities, NMPF will use the $488,603 grant to implement and coordinate the Secure Milk Supply (SMS) plan and develop a biosecurity program area through the National Dairy FARM Program (FARM). The FARM Animal Care program places an emphasis on biosecurity as a key element of dairy herd health and the grant funding will allow for further prioritization.  

“The dairy industry has partnered with USDA for more than a decade on the Secure Milk Supply Plan. With this new funding, we are eager to continue and expand our work on biosecurity through integration with FARM,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We applaud USDA’s work to enhance the prevention, preparedness, detection, and response to animal diseases that threaten the viability of U.S. dairy farms.” 

The grant is funded by the 2018 Farm Bill as part of an overall strategy to help prevent animal pests and diseases from entering the U.S. and reduce the spread and impact of potential disease incursions through advance planning and preparedness. APHIS will distribute funding through the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) as well as the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN).  

USDA has funded the NADPRP projects with the goal of individually and collectively addressing critical livestock biosecurity, large-scale depopulation and carcass disposal concerns in all major livestock industries across all U.S. regions. NMPF will apply the grant funding to advance biosecurity on dairy farms by partnering with stakeholders and experts including the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, dairy farmers, veterinarians, dairy cooperatives and processors, and state and federal animal health officials.  

CWT Assisted Member November Sales Top 16 million Pounds of Product

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

In a month shortened by the Thanksgiving holiday, CWT assisted member cooperatives in securing sales contracts to send 6.0 million pounds of American-type cheese, 3.1 million pounds of butter, 789,255 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 6.0 million pounds of whole milk powder, and 643,750 pounds of cream cheese to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Central and South America, and Oceania. The products will be shipped during the months of November 2020 through May 2021.

Member cooperatives’ sales activities through November bring the year-to-date CWT-assisted export sales contracts to 32.5 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 12.5 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat), 48.7 million pounds of whole milk powder, 2.8 million pounds of anhydrous milkfat, and 6.6 million pounds of cream cheese. The milk equivalent of these sales is 1.1 billion pounds on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT member cooperatives gain and maintain world market share through the Export Assistance program positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price. It does this by expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products beyond the domestic market thereby increasing the total demand for U.S. farm milk.

The amounts of dairy products and related milk volumes reflect current contracts for delivery, not completed export volumes. CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when export and delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.

All cooperatives and all dairy farmers benefit from CWT’s activities and should add their support to this important program in 2021 and beyond. Membership forms for 2021-2024 are available at http://www.cwt.coop/membership.

Environmental Stewardship Prep Guide among new FARM resources

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program released Version 2 of the Environmental Stewardship (ES) Evaluation Prep Guide on Nov. 6 which provides necessary information about the evaluation process and communicates program expectations to FARM ES participants.

FARM has also developed additional new and useful materials across all program areas including the Dairy Cattle Euthanasia Decision Tree which helps farmers and cow caregivers in making the difficult, yet best decision, to ensuring end of life welfare for the animal.   that difficult decision.

In FARM Workforce Development, the first iteration of the FARM Workforce Development evaluation is now available for use in the Evaluations Application. Similar to other program areas, this evaluation collects information to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to best practices around on-farm human resources and safety practices.

Contact dairyfarm@nmpf.org with questions about accessing the evaluation or enrolling in the Workforce Development Program area.

FARM staff  have also hosted the first two sessions of Quick Convos – 30- minute informational webinars for attendees to ask questions and learn more about FARM. The Program Overview and the session on the Farmer Role Within the Program were well-attended and the recordings are available on Facebook, YouTube, and the FARM website.

Two more sessions will take place in December with specific focus on Animal Care (Dec. 2) and Environmental Stewardship (Dec. 16). Registration is free and available here.

NMPF’s Jonker Named Chair of Science and Program Coordination Committee

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Jamie Jonker, NMPF’s Vice President of Sustainability and Scientific Affairs, was elected Chair of the International Dairy Federation’s (IDF) Science and Program Coordination Committee Nov. 2 during IDF’s annual meeting. This position also serves on the IDF Board and is the second-highest elected leadership position within IDF.

In this role, Jonker will help lead overall management of the more than 150 scientific and technical projects currently being conducted by IDF experts in food safety to animal welfare, economics to sustainability, and everything in between. This role also will help align U.S. dairy practices with those in other nations.

IDF is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. Since 1903, IDF has provided a mechanism for the dairy sector to reach global consensus on how to help feed the world with safe and sustainable dairy products. A recognized international authority in the development of science-based standards for the dairy sector, IDF has an important role to play in ensuring the right policies, standards, practices and regulations are in place to ensure the world’s dairy products are safe and sustainable.

In his current role, Jamie has general responsibilities in sustainability and scientific affairs, including animal health and welfare, animal biotechnology, dairy farm biosecurity, dairy farm air and water quality, dairy farm sustainability, and technical service issues.

Dr. Jonker is active representing the Federation on numerous national and international committees, including the U.S. Animal Health Association, the International Dairy Federation, the World Animal Health Organization, and Codex Alimentarius.  In 2019, he was appointed to the USDA Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Animal Health. Prior to joining NMPF, his career included 6 years of experience in agricultural policy including service at the National Academy of Sciences, the EPA, and the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.