Policy Thursday
Fake Milk Labeling Changes Expected
With FDA guidance expected on the proper labeling of plant-based milk alternatives sometime this summer, the National Milk Producers Federation is asking the FDA to rethink plant-based beverages when defining milk. Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on today’s Policy Thursday:
Dairy Operators Need Seasonal Workers
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest push to approve the H-2A Visa Program for year-round dairy farm employers:
Shipping Relief Needed For Dairy Exports
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) recently sent a letter to the Biden administration recommending specific steps to provide relief and support to dairy farmers and exporters facing supply chain constraints. NMPF’s Chris Galen shared more on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now:
Farm Bill & Ag Labor Discussed
Paul Bleiberg, Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Milk Producers Federation, in a Dairy Defined podcast, discussed the latest from Washington, including work on the next farm bill and immigration reform. Listen to the complete Dairy Defined podcast here
CWT Continues Around The Globe
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) is a program designed exclusively by America’s dairy farmers for the benefit of America’s dairy farmers. Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation gives us the latest numbers:
Quantifying Emission Reductions
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest efforts to reduce greenhouse gasses.
NY Mayor Isn’t A Flavored Milk Fan
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) responded to a bipartisan letter from Rep. Antonio Delgado and Members of Congress from New York encouraging New York City Mayor Eric Adams not to eliminate flavored milk from New York City school meals. Read More
Port Shipments Need Enforcing
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio Now with an update on the latest enforcement actions against some vessel owners:
Cheering On The New FDA Chief
Dr. Robert M. Califf was named Commissioner of Food and Drugs. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss what the new appointment, and why NMPF is cheering for his success:
Attempts Made To Ease Port Congestion
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new program to help address the export side of the supply chain crisis. NMPF’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest attempts to ease port congestion and get exports flowing again:
A REAL Dairy Guarantee
Trade Win Over Canada
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) celebrated a landmark decision published this week which found Canada is improperly restricting access to its market for U.S. dairy products in violation of its U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) commitments. NMPF’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on what this means for the U.S. dairy industry moving forward:
A Blessed Christmas During Uncertain Times
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updates Dairy Radio Now listeners on what the industry has been through in 2021 and what we can look forward to in 2022:
DMC Signups Begin Monday
The National Milk Producers Federation is urging farmers to sign up for maximum coverage in 2022 under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program, which USDA announced will open for enrollment from Monday, Dec. 13, through Feb. 18. This year’s DMC signup is accompanied by new enhancements that make the program even more valuable for producers seeking protection against unforeseen market risks. NMPF’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on Thursday’s broadcast:
Giving Thanks
There is plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us for a special Thanksgiving broadcast:
Make Every Drop Count
The dairy community will soon be gathering at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas Nov. 14-17 for the 2021 NMPF annual meeting, held in conjunction with the national dairy checkoff organizations overseen by Dairy Management Inc. With a theme of “Make Every Drop Count,” this year’s event will examine how dairy’s policy and promotion organizations work together globally to build markets for dairy products. The annual meeting website has more information. NMPF’s Chris Galen gives Dairy Radio Now listeners a preview:
Port Congestion and Social Safety Bill Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest news from our nation’s capital:
Discussion Continues To ‘Build Back Better’
The Build Back Better Agenda is being debated in our nations capital – and as we hear from National Milk’s Chris Galen, the proposed legislation has a hefty price tag to help create jobs, cut taxes, and lower costs for working families.
Gallagher Steps Down As CEO
Dairy Management Inc. announced that Tom Gallagher has decided to conclude his 30-year tenure as CEO to devote more time to teaching and other opportunities. Barbara O’Brien, President of DMI and CEO of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, has been named by the board of directors as the next CEO. For information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com.
How Do You Spell Relief?
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest relief efforts congress is working on to assist dairy producers with their losses due to the global pandemic.
More Federal Relief For Dairy
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest relief aid for dairy farmers:
Bipartisan Infrastructure Package
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on two separate infrastructure packages being discussed by Congress. The first a bipartisan bill passed by the Senate:
Senate Works On Infrastructure Package
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest U.S. senate effort to pass a far reaching infrastructure package for the U.S.
Senate Committee Hears Farm Labor Concerns
A Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was held this week on farm labor. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now:
Farmer Experience A Plus In Congress
Rep. David Valadao, R-CA, shares the latest in a recent NMPF Dairy Defined podcast. The full podcast is here. You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Proposed Spending Bill Goes To House
The House Appropriations Committee proposes a spending bill for fiscal ’22 that includes a wide variety of assistance and programs. Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Membership Services and Strategic Initiatives with the National Milk Producers Federation gave us an update on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
NDPO Offers National Weekly Calls
The National Dairy Producers Organization invites you to their weekly national calls every Tuesday night. Gary Genske, NDPO board treasurer, gives us an update on today’s Dairy Radio. The weekly calls are every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. eastern time. The live call-in number is: 712-775-7035 pin: 330090#
Port Congestion Problems Continue
Port congestion problems continue for U.S. dairy exporters. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on our Policy Thursday with an update:
June Dairy Month Focus: Health & Sustainability
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to discuss the importance of personal and planet health as we celebrate June Dairy Month:
NMPF Welcomes USMCA Enforcement
Canada has failed to take the necessary action to be in compliance with its obligations under USMCA by restricting access to the dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs). Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more:
Positive Dairy Market Report
Several positive signs have emerged in recent months that are pointing to a tightening milk supply-demand balance and improving milk prices. View Full DMI-NMPF Report
Working With New Administration
In a recent meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, and NMPF’s Chairman Randy Mooney offered to closely collaborate with Ambassador Tai and the entire Biden Administration on trade in order to strengthen the health of the U.S. dairy industry to allow for further expansion of the hundreds of thousands of dairy-reliant jobs across the country. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Dairy Pride Act Takes Aim At Imitators
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on the latest news in the battle against dairy imitators:
Farmers To Families Food Box Program Ends
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated us on what is going to replace the Families to Farmers Food Box Program:
Dairy Margin Coverage Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest Dairy Margin Coverage insurance payments to producers, and also Tom Vilsack’s “full plate” in returning as Ag. Secretary:
Dairy Farmers Are Environmental Leaders
Through commitments like the Net Zero Initiative and efforts like the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program, dairy farmers are well-positioned to be agricultural leaders in mitigating climate change, said Dr. Jamie Jonker, NMPF’s Vice President for Sustainability and Scientific Affairs, in an NMPF podcast .
FARM Year in Review
The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty.
Congress Returns Monday With Full Plate
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on the big “to do” list that Congress is facing when they return from break this week.
Milk Production Outstrips Gains
Milk production is increasing faster than demand is recovering, making 2021 a challenging year for dairy farmers, said Peter Vitaliano, NMPF’s chief economist, in an NMPF Dairy Defined podcast. Excerpts on today’s Dairy Radio:
Vilsack Anticipates Full Plate
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest confirmation of the former and most likely the next Agriculture Secretary:
A Busy Next 100 Days
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Dairy Radio to discuss the Biden administration’s next 100 days and what it means for the dairy industry:
Dietary Guidelines: Make Every Bite Count
Newly released federal dietary guidelines will benefit dairy, even as work remains to be done, said Miquela Hanselman, NMPF’s regulatory affairs manager, from a Dairy Defined podcast. More info on the new guidelines: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/
More Stimulus For Farmers
Setting non-dairy issues aside after a rough week in Washington D.C., Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation gave us an update on more stimulus heading to dairy farmers:
Dear President Trump and Secretary Perdue
CFAP – Round 2
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on round 2 of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:
CFAP Enrollment Deadline Approaching
National Milk’s Chris Galen updated Dairy Radio listeners on the latest news regarding the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:
CFAP & USMCA Update
National Milk’s Chris Galen updates Dairy Radio Now listeners on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and the latest news on the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). :
Congress Has Work Before Summer Recess
Lawmakers need to pass a budget before heading to summer recess. NMPF’s Chris Galen provides an update, and also reminds us of the public comment deadline for input on the new dietary guidelines:
Dairy Market Report Recap
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest Dairy Market Report:
USMCA Needs Enforcement
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is designed to usher in significant changes to U.S.-Canadian dairy trade, restore certainty to U.S.-Mexico trade relations and establish important protections for common name cheeses. But as Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation says, the full benefit now relies on robust enforcement of the agreement:
Dairy CFAP Update
More than 15,000 dairy operators have signed up for the Coronovirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio with an update:
Dairy Rebound Expected
Higher milk prices and effective federal policies – both encouraged by dairy’s unity in responding to the coronavirus crisis – are presenting positive opportunities, according to James “Cricket” Jacquier, a member of the NMPF’s executive committee and chairman of the board for Agri-Mark. Dairy Defined Podcast
Corona Aid Update
Dairy farmers are eligible for direct support through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provides direct financial assistance to agricultural producers, providing them the ability to weather the economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19.
Visit www.farmers.gov/cfap for additional information about CFAP – NMPF’s Chris Galen updates Dairy Radio listeners:
Dairy Industry Looks Beyond 2020
Far-reaching dairy sustainability goals go hand-in-hand with economic opportunity for dairy farmers, according to Krysta Harden, executive vice president, global environmental strategy, for Dairy Management Inc. and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, in an NMPF podcast:
Federal Stimulus Hopes to Weather Storm
Details of the new disaster relief program are being discussed by USDA, NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now :
Stay Focused
The economic and health risks of coronavirus have many dairy producers on edge – but staying focused on the task at hand and remembering the value that dairy farming provides can help carry farmers through, says NMPF’s Emily Yeiser-Stepp: LISTEN
Dairy Farmers Await Stimulus Relief
USDA recently announced a stimulus package for dairy farmers, but where do assistance efforts go from here? NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us today’s Dairy Radio Now:
Spotlight on Bovine Coronavirus
More than four decades of dairy-industry experience with bovine coronavirus shouldn’t translate to complacency on farms about the human version, says Mike Lormore, the Director of U.S. Dairy Cattle Technical Services for Zoetis, in a recent NMPF podcast.
Joint Plan To Support Dairy Industry
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) sent a set of recommendations to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urging the Administration to take swift, comprehensive action to support the U.S. dairy industry through the COVID-19 crisis. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on today’s Dairy Radio:
“We’re Going To Get Through This”
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is maintaining contact with global customers, despite challenges posed by Covid-19. President and CEO Tom Vilsack tells more about long-term opportunities for U.S. dairy exports:
Dairy Industry Needs Stimulus
Legislation Congress passed last week contains provisions needed for dairy. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation updated listeners on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now:
Safe, Steady Milk Production Continues
Dairy Farmers Descend on Senate, Demand Labor Reform
Dairy farmers from National Milk Producers Federation member cooperatives and state dairy associations are visiting U.S. Senate offices today and tomorrow as part of a fly-in calling for an agricultural labor bill that could be reconciled with a plan the House approved last year, providing the stable, secure labor force U.S. dairy producers need. Read more
Farm Labor Crisis Needs Attention
The U.S. House passage of legislation that helps address dairy’s unique workforce challenges is now awaiting Senate approval. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act:
Fake Milk Labeling Needs Resolution
House Energy and Commerce subcommittee included the DAIRY PRIDE Act on its list of key pieces of legislation related to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this year. Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Membership Services and Strategic Initiatives with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us on Dairy Radio with an update:
Global Trade News Update
A flurry of trade legislation activity occurred in Washington D.C. recently and has the U.S. dairy industry optimistic for feeding the world.. Chris Galen, Sr. VP of Strategic Initiatives and Membership Services updated Dairy Radio listeners on the latest news:
A Step Closer To USMCA Approval
Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to discuss the latest on how lawmakers are dealing with the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement:
Senate Urged To Pass USMCA
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) praised the House of Representatives for approving legislation implementing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). As NMPF”s Chris Galen tells us, now it’s the Senate’s turn:
Vilsack Optimistic After China, Japan Trip
Returning from a whirlwind seven-day trip to China and Japan, USDEC President and CEO Tom Vilsack said he is optimistic about the long-term health of U.S. dairy exports despite challenges caused by current trade disputes:
Trade Limits Impact U.S. Farmers
Another round of direct payments to farmers has been announced through the Market Facilitation Program. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation tells us more:
Vilsack Asks Congress to Pass USMCA
Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council joined us on today’s Dairy Radio urging Congress to ratify the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement:
CWT Update
CWT continues to post strong numbers by assisting member cooperatives in securing contracts to sell dairy products to places like Asia, Central America, the Middle East, Oceania and South America. National Milk’s Chris Galen gives us an update on today’s Dairy Radio:
USDA Agencies Should Stay in DC
The move to relocate two USDA agencies (ERS & NIFA) to Kansas City is being questioned by dairy scientists. Dr. Ken Olson from the American Dairy Science Association joined us on today’s Dairy Radio:
DMC Signups Underway
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the new Dairy Margin Coverage safety net for dairy producers.
NMPF Welcomes California Dairies
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) welcomed California Dairies Inc., the second-largest U.S. dairy cooperative by volume, into its membership by unanimous vote during its June board meeting. NMPF’s Chris Galen has more:
Mitigation Package In The Works
Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio listeners on the federal trade mitigation package for farmers:
China Trade Concerns
National Milk’s Chris Galen joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss the
ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China and the new Dairy Margin Coverage program:
Fake Milk Study Lacks Key Ingredients
The National Milk Producers Federation today is correcting the record intentionally muddied by the Plant Based Foods Association in conjunction with Linkage Research & Consulting, which presented flawed analysis as legitimate research to grab inaccurate headlines. Read More from NMPF.
MPP Refunds Available
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that dairy producers who had coverage under the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), which provided payments to producers when the price of milk fell below the feed costs to produce it, are eligible to receive a repayment for part of the premiums paid into the program. Read more from USDA site.
DMC Signup Info
The National Milk Producers Federation continues to encourage farmers to prepare for Dairy Margin Coverage signup, scheduled to begin June 17. The USDA’s decision tool, designed to help farmers determine their appropriate coverage level, is now online here. Later this week, letters will be sent to producers informing them of their premium refunds under the previous Margin Protection Program. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more:
Substituting Real Milk For Fake Milk Could Put Kids At Risk
An important new study from the European Journal of Nutrition reveals that young children fed a diet relying on plant based beverages “may risk deficiencies of calcium, zinc, iodine, vitamins B2, B12, D, A, and indispensable amino acids.” National Milk’s Chris Galen on Dairy Radio:
Border Closing Would “Wreak Havoc” For U.S. Dairy
An administration proposal to close the U. S. southern border with Mexico would send shock waves through the U.S. dairy industry, closing off access to its largest dairy export market, according to leading U.S. dairy organizations. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio to discuss:
Strong Support For Dairy PRIDE Act
The National Milk Producers Federation voiced strong support for the DAIRY PRIDE Act, calling it another means toward a crucial end for consumers: the end of mislabeled non-dairy products as “milks” in the marketplace. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined provides an update:
Guidance To New DMC Program
With the U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting the first month of data applicable to farmer payments under the new Dairy Margin Coverage program, the National Milk Producers Federation commended USDA for helping farmers understand the scope of DMC program and offered its own example to illustrate the potential benefits of maximizing coverage under the new top margin-coverage level of $9.50 per hundredweight. Read More
NMPF Thanks Chobani
In a letter to Hamdi Ulukaya, chief executive officer of Chobani, National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Jim Mulhern thanked the company for supporting transparency in the use of dairy terms on food-product labels, the subject of a recently ended FDA comment period. Read More
Funding the Government
Will cooler heads prevail to fund the U.S. government? Chris Galen with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on today’s Policy Thursday:
Study Shows U.S. Losses Without Japan Deal
A study released today by the U.S Dairy Export Council projects new trade agreements between Japan and other countries will put U.S. dairy exports at a competitive disadvantage, resulting in lost U.S. sales of $5.4 billion over 21 years (Read more). USDEC President and CEO Tom Vilsack joined us on Dairy Radio Now to discuss:
1-in-5 Consumers Think Imitators Should be Called Milk
With only six days to go before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) comment period on fake milks ends, new consumer research shows Americans widely disapprove of dairy terms being appropriated by fake-milk producers, as well as confusion on the nutritional content of milk versus plant-based imitators, offering further evidence that FDA must enforce long-existing standards of identity on dairy imposters. Read More
Government Shutdown Stymies Farm Bill
We have a new Farm Bill that will benefit dairy farmers but the government shutdown has put a ‘hitch in the giddy-up’ for the time being. Dairy has been noted as a big winner in the Farm Bill, with new programs that assist dairy producers facing low prices. Chris Galen of the National Milk producers Federation joined us on our Policy Thursday to discuss some of the important policy reforms:
Optimism For Dairy Relief in ’19
Despite a government shutdown, there is some optimism for dairy producers when the new Farm Bill is implemented. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation provided us an update:
Farm Bill Awaits Trump’s Signature
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for completing congressional approval of a new farm bill and sending to the White House a law that will provide important economic assistance to dairy producers in times of need. NMPF urged President Donald Trump to immediately sign the bill. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on today’s DaIry Radio Now with more:
Ag Leaders Agree On 2018 Farm Bill
House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairmen Mike Conaway (R-Texas) and Pat Roberts (R- Kan.) and Ranking Members Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) made the following announcement today on the state of 2018 Farm Bill negotiations:
“We’re pleased to announce that we’ve reached an agreement in principle on the 2018 Farm Bill. We are working to finalize legal and report language as well as CBO scores, but we still have more work to do. We are committed to delivering a new farm bill to America as quickly as possible.” Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation joined us on Thursday’s Dairy Radio Now to discuss:
Lame Duck Congress Urged To Put Farmers First
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) urged Congress to make passing a new farm bill a top priority in its lame-duck session, saying that dairy farmers harmed by low prices would benefit from the certainty and improvements likely to be part of the final law. NMPF’s Chris Galen joined us on Dairy Radio Now to discuss and also alert dairy producers of the deadline to submit public comment on fake-milk labeling:
Dairy Farmers Ask Trump For Compensation
U.S. dairy farmers at their annual meeting in Pheonix this week asked President Donald Trump to recognize the significant economic losses milk producers are suffering because of the administration’s implementation of Section 232 and 301 tariffs. The duties have resulted in retaliatory tariffs against U.S. dairy exports, particularly in Mexico and China. They continue to cause severe economic harm to U.S. dairy farmers, according to the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), as its board of directors adopted a resolution calling for aid commensurate to that damage. NMPF’s Chris Galen tells us more:
NMPF Prepares For Annual Meeting in Phoenix
Every fall, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) organizes a joint annual meeting with the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA). Dairy producers, member cooperatives, Young Cooperators (YCs), industry representatives, staff and others from all over the country arrive for three days of speeches, reports, banquets, general sessions, town hall meetings, and award ceremonies. NMPF’s Chris Galen gave Dairy Radio Now listeners a preview on today’s program.
ABI Urges FDA to Address Mislabeled Butter Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should take prompt enforcement action against seven “butter” substitutes that flagrantly violate the agency’s food labeling requirements and thus are misbranded, the American Butter Institute (ABI) said today at its Board of Directors Meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
ABI is the Arlington, Virginia-based trade association for manufacturers, processors, marketers and distributors of butter and butter products. The majority of butter consumed throughout the United States is made and marketed by ABI member companies and cooperatives. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation updated Dairy Radio Now listeners on the latest:
As the only dairy food standard established by federal statute, butter is defined as “made exclusively from milk or cream, or both, with or without common salt, and with or without additional coloring matter, and containing not less than 80 per centum by weight of milk fat, all tolerances having been allowed for.” Concurrently, FDA dictates that certain foods should be deemed imitations if that food resembles another but is nutritionally inferior or fails to meet established characterizing ingredient requirements.
read more…Crunch Time in Washington
Both the deadlines to fund the government and pass a new farm bill are less than two weeks away. Chris Galen of the National Milk Producers Federation gave Dairy Radio Now listeners an update on what’s been happening in our nation’s capital.
The Heat Is On In D.C.
The heat is on in our nation’s capital. Not only the recent triple-digit temperatures but also some hot dairy policy topics to discuss. Chris Galen, Sr VP of Communications with the National Milk Producers Federation gave Dairy Radio Now listeners an update on confirmation hearings, farm bill conference, and the sign up for the Market Facilitation Program. Listen here:
Food Marketers On Notice Over Fake Milk Labels
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finally recognized the need to increase its scrutiny of plant-based products imitating standardized dairy foods, there’s been some opposition on Capitol Hill for the FDA to move forward. Chris Galen from the National Milk Producers Federation updates on the latest in fake milk labeling and also has some info on the federal dairy assistance offered through the tariff mitigation plan,
NMPF Welcomes Assistance to Dairy Farmers Suffering from Retaliatory Tariffs

The new tariff mitigation program announced Tuesday by the Trump Administration should provide badly needed economic assistance to dairy farmers facing significant financial losses, the National Milk Producers Federation said today.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is preparing a $12 billion economic assistance program designed to help dairy farmers and other agricultural producers suffering from the effects of retaliatory tariffs imposed by Mexico, China and other key trading partners. NMPF’s economic estimates indicate that these tariffs will cost U.S. dairy farmers $1.8 billion just through the remainder of this year, based on the decline in milk futures prices since the retaliatory tariffs were implemented.
NMPF’s Chris Galen, SVP of Communications, tells us more on today’s Dairy Radio Now.