International IDFA Membership & Resources

Quick Snapshot

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) represents the $49 billion dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, advocating for processors, manufacturers, and marketers across the supply chain.

Who It's For: Dairy processors, manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and companies throughout the dairy supply chain.

What It Does Best: Provides policy advocacy, regulatory expertise, industry events, and resources for dairy processing and manufacturing companies.

Why It Matters: A strong processing sector is essential for dairy farmers—IDFA's work on trade, nutrition policy, and standards helps ensure markets for U.S. milk.

Overview

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, encompassing companies that produce and market milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, cultured products, and dairy ingredients.

IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), National Cheese Institute (NCI), and International Ice Cream Association (IICA). Together, they represent an industry that supports 3.2 million jobs and generates $794 billion in overall economic impact.

The organization advocates on critical issues including trade policy, nutrition programs, food safety standards, labeling regulations, workforce needs, and sustainability initiatives. IDFA's events—including the annual Dairy Forum—bring together industry leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities.

For dairy farmers, IDFA's work matters because a healthy processing sector creates stable demand for milk and drives innovation in dairy products that appeal to consumers.

Ideal Users

Farm Types: Dairy processors, Cheese manufacturers, Ice cream producers, Yogurt companies

Herd Size: N/A - focused on processing sector

Key Roles: Dairy executives, Operations managers, Quality assurance, Marketing professionals

Geographic Focus: U.S. dairy processing industry with global trade engagement

Key Features

Policy Advocacy

Represents dairy manufacturing interests on Capitol Hill and with regulatory agencies

Dairy Forum

Premier annual industry event bringing together 1,000+ dairy leaders

Food Safety Resources

Training, guidance, and standards for safe dairy production

Trade Engagement

Advocates for expanded market access and fair trade practices

Nutrition Advocacy

Promotes dairy's role in healthy diets and nutrition programs

Advanced Capabilities

DairyTech Conference

Annual technology-focused event on innovation in dairy processing

Knowledge Center

Extensive library of research, white papers, and industry resources

NextGen Leadership

Program developing future dairy industry leaders

Women in Dairy

Network supporting women professionals in the dairy industry

Integrations & Partnerships

Works With: NMPF (on shared policy priorities), USDEC (trade), FDA, USDA

Data Flow: Industry data informs advocacy; policy updates flow to members

Industry Standards: FDA standards, PMO, FSMA requirements

Competitive Advantages

Comprehensive representation of entire dairy processing value chain

Industry-leading events for networking and education

Extensive food safety training and resources

Strong voice on trade and market access issues

Professional development programs for emerging leaders

Getting Started

Timeline: Membership application and approval process

Infrastructure: Access to online resources, events, and advocacy communications

Migration: N/A - membership organization

Tips for Success:

Attend Dairy Forum for industry insights and networking

Utilize food safety training resources for staff development

Engage with advocacy campaigns on priority issues

Connect with professional communities (NextGen, Women in Dairy)

Training & Support

Training: Food Safety Education Portal, DairyTech Conference, webinars

Support Channels: Member services team, online resources

Community: NextGen Leadership, Women in Dairy, committee participation

Pricing

Model: Tiered membership dues

Summary: Membership dues based on company size and scope

Notes: Contact IDFA for membership information and dues structure

Evaluation Questions

How can IDFA membership benefit my processing operation?

What training and resources are available for food safety?

How do I get involved in advocacy on issues affecting my business?

What networking opportunities are available through IDFA events?

Are there specialized programs for emerging leaders at my company?

Recommended Reading

[IDFA SmartBrief](https://www.idfa.org/newsroom) (IDFA): Daily industry news digest for dairy professionals

[Dairy Delivers Campaign](https://www.idfa.org/dairydelivers) (IDFA): Information on dairy's economic impact

[Dairy Innovates](https://www.idfa.org/dairyinnovates) (IDFA): Showcasing innovation across the dairy industry

Recommended Viewing

[The Dairy Download Podcast](https://www.idfa.org/thedairydownload) (IDFA): Industry trends and insights from dairy leaders