Dairy Council of California, a leader in nutrition education and advocacy, proudly announces three new board members, all distinguished figures in the dairy industry:
John Vanderpoel Jr., Owner, VP Legacy Farms
Preston Fernandes, Owner/Partner, Fernridge Farms
Rene Reynoso, President & CEO, Peluso Cheese
Fernandes states, “Alongside my fellow new board members, I’m thrilled to join the Dairy Council of California as we work to elevate the role of dairy in nourishing our communities. Dairy is not just a staple in healthy, balanced diets—it’s a source of essential nutrients that fuel growth and wellness across all ages. I’m excited to be part of an organization that’s dedicated to advancing nutrition education and advocating for the critical benefits dairy provides in creating healthier, more sustainable futures.”
Dairy Council of California’s new board members are deeply connected with the dairy community, bringing forward fresh perspectives and strategic insights to both challenges and emerging opportunities.
“We are pleased to welcome John, Preston and Rene to Dairy Council of California’s board of directors,” says Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California. “Their diverse backgrounds bring invaluable expertise to our organization’s ability to continue to promote healthy eating patterns and sustainable food systems that include dairy foods.”
In addition to the three new board members, four board members were reappointed:
Arlene VanderEyk, Co-owner, Robert VanderEyk Dairy
Michael Oosten, Owner, Marvo Holsteins
John Dolan, VP of Sales, Driftwood Dairy
Hem Shah, General Manager, Alta Dena Dairy
Board members are elected for three-year terms, represent both dairy producers and processors and are appointed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
About Dairy Council of California
Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education, advocacy, dairy agricultural literacy and collaboration, Dairy Council of California advances the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems. Learn more at DairyCouncilofCA.org.
The California Dairy Sustainability Summit organizing committee have announced a new, farmer-focused event that will take place on March 25, 2025, at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, Calif. This added event will focus on equipping California dairy families and employees with information to further enhance and future-proof farming operations. The one-day conference and tradeshow will promote innovative, practical, and workable approaches to advance environmental and economic sustainability, enabling California’s family dairies to continue producing nutritious milk and dairy foods for local and global communities.
The Farm Focus summit will host timely discussions as the California dairy sector is on track to achieve climate neutrality by as early as 2027. In addition to world-leading progress in methane reduction, the state’s dairy farmers are advancing in clean, renewable energy, water conservation and protection, animal health and comfort, soil health, community nutrition programming, and more. Speakers will highlight the importance of California dairy’s leadership and the technologies, strategies, and incentive programs helping farmers navigate challenges and tap into opportunities.
“California dairy farmers are world leaders in planet-smart dairy farming. The 2025 summit is designed to help them along this ongoing journey,” said Charles “Chuck” Ahlem, Hilmar dairy farmer and board member for several of the hosting organizations.
Held biennially since 2018, the California Dairy Sustainability Summit is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, and the Dairy Council of California. The 2025 Farm Focus will kick off with dynamic discussions among leaders from the dairy industry and its major customers. Interactive breakout sessions will allow attendees to dive deep into understanding the latest on-farm sustainability strategies. It will also be the first version of the summit to include an in-person Expo Hall since 2018. Attendees will explore solution provider booths and academic research posters, and will enjoy valuable networking opportunities.
“We are proud to be on the leading edge of sustainable dairy farming,” said Tony Louters, Merced dairy farmer and chair of the California Milk Advisory Board. “There are a lot of options for producers to consider as we work to make our operations even more sustainable. The 2025 Summit will be an important opportunity to explore those options, from what may already be tried and true practices for some, to the most cutting-edge pilot projects. Given the unique nature of each of our farms and the multiple environmental goals we are working toward, there is a lot to think about. We look forward to learning from experts and one another as we plan for the future of our family farms.”
The 2025 summit will engage dairy farmers, employees, and allied industry members—helping all navigate the rapid pace of California’s progressive policies, the new requirements on the horizon, and the innovative practices being deployed to further shrink dairy’s environmental footprint. Speakers will include dairy farmers highlighting the technologies, products, and strategies they use to boost sustainability through management efficiency, animal health and nutrition, breeding strategies, manure management, enteric methane mitigation, and more. Emphasis will be placed on successful local, state, and federal incentive programs and their key role as the industry continues to ramp up its own investments in innovation.
The summit’s mission is to promote education and collaboration for further advancing planet-smart dairy farm practices and to recognize and enhance dairy’s valuable role in sustainable, healthy, and equitable food systems. The 2025 summit is organized in partnership with JCS Marketing, Inc., a full-service agriculture marketing firm operating in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. More information about the event program and sponsor opportunities will be announced soon. To learn more or to subscribe for updates, visit www.cadairysummit.com.
Dairy Cares is a statewide coalition with a mission to ensure the long-term sustainability of California’s dairy farm families through strong environmental stewardship and responsible animal care.
The California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF) is an independent non-profit organization that leads and delivers research and science-based programs to support an innovative and sustainable California dairy industry.
For more 25 years, the award-winning California Dairy Quality Assurance Program(CDQAP) has worked as a partnership between the dairy industry, academia, and others to provide science-based education and third-party certifications, promoting the health of consumers, the environment, and the health and welfare of dairy animals.
The California Milk Advisory Board, an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world.
Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education and advocacy, dairy ag literacy, and collaboration, we advance the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems.
This year’s competition, centered on health and wellness, focuses on harnessing the nutritional benefits of real dairy and features startups with products designed to improve digestion, boost cognitive function, provide balanced nutrition, support hydration, and deliver sustainable, convenient solutions for busy lifestyles.
The cohort includes:
Smearcase(Dover, Del.) – Smearcase is the first cottage cheese-based ice cream on the market infused with collagen. Featuring the most protein per pint of ice cream at 40 grams, this ‘better-for-you’ ice cream does not use artificial gums or sweeteners.
Stellify/Insymmetry LLC(Yorba Linda, Calif.) – Stellify is a low-calorie, functional, dairy-based energy and wellness shot made with reduced-fat lactose-free milk for lactose-intolerant individuals. It features natural caffeine from coffee cherry, theobromine, and L-theanine.
Drink Todo(Grand Island, NY) – Drink Todo is a high protein, high fiber breakfast smoothie designed to provide a convenient and nutritious solution for busy lifestyles. Featuring 25 grams of milk protein, 6 grams of dietary fiber, and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, Todo offers a complete meal in every bottle.
Voyager Milk(Boca Raton, Fla.) – Voyager Milk is the only USDA organic whole milk for toddlers, produced in a convenient stick-pack format.
Point ReyesFarmstead Cheese Co. (Point Reyes, Calif.) – Curd Cup is a premium 6 ounce single serving cottage cheese with global savory flavors. This dairy-rich snack is a clean-eating option with protein, calcium and good fat to keep your energy going.
Pluff(Toronto, Canada) – Pluff is a high-protein dessert primarily made from a combination of Greek yogurt, heavy cream, cottage cheese, and whey protein blended and whipped together.
Projo(Los Gatos, Calif.) – Projo is an instant coffee blend of organic Arabica coffee, marine collagen, organic coffee fruit extract, digestive enzymes, and 100% whole milk. This coffee boosts energy and supports health and wellness.
TruJoy Yogurt (Austin, Texas) – TruJoy is an elevated frozen Greek yogurt made with simple, natural and timeless ingredients. It boasts a robust nutritional profile, with protein and probiotics, as well as a clean label, appealing to the ingredient conscious.
In addition to a cash stipend, participants will gain access to a program of elite mentorship from successful founders, investors, leading corporate executives, and experts across design, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, farming, and processing.
John Talbot, CEO, California Milk Advisory Board
“The Real California Milk Excelerator continues to push the boundaries of dairy innovation, and this year’s focus on health and wellness is particularly exciting,” John Talbot, CEO of CMAB said. “We are committed to supporting these startups as they develop and bring their health-focused innovations to market.”
This year’s program will culminate in an exclusive look at the future of the dairy category during the “Future of Dairy Expo” on November 14 where attendees will be able to meet the cohort, sample their products and hear from experts on key category trends and insights. The event will close with the RCM Excelerator Final Pitch Event and finalist selection where a panel of judges will award up to $500,000 worth of total value prizing.
“We are thrilled to announce the latest cohort for the Real California Milk Excelerator,” Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel said. “Together, we are unlocking the full potential of dairy to enhance well-being and pave the way for the future.”
In addition to the primary cohort, this year the Excelerator has expanded to include an incubator designed to foster the development of early-stage and student-led dairy innovations. Seven companies will join the inaugural incubator cohort, including Mighty Smooth, Sauce Plus, and BuffMoo in affiliation with Fresno State University; Joelato and Moove Hydration in affiliation with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; Sol in affiliation with Chapman University; and Yo’s Froyo Bites.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
About VentureFuel
Founded in 2014, VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change. Its innovation programs solve clients’ biggest challenges via startup collaborations. VentureFuel provides organizations like Comcast NBCUniversal, Dick’s Sporting Goods and the State of California the tools to accelerate transformation with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at:www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications through its updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to provide financial assistance to eligible dairy producers who incur milk losses due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as H5N1infection in their dairy herds. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded ELAP through the rule-making process to assist with a portion of financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking in dairy herds having a confirmed positive H5N1 test. Positive test results must be confirmed through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).
“USDA remains committed to working with producers, state veterinarians, animal health professionals, and our federal partners as we continue to detect the presence of H5N1 in dairy herds and take additional measures to contain the spread of the disease,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “When something unexpected, like H5N1, threatens the economic viability of the producers we serve, we are committed to finding ways, where we have the authority to do so, to revisit existing program policies and provide the financial support needed to help producers recover and sustain production.”
ELAP provides emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish to assist with losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as wildfires, that are not covered by other FSA disaster assistance programs.
H5N1 infections have been detected in 14 states including California, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. Dairy producers in all states are reminded to stay vigilant and follow established APHIS biosecurity, detection and testing guidelines. In addition to testing, enhanced biosecurity is critical to containing this virus. USDA works closely with state animal health official, producers, and industry organizations to provide guidance and resources for cleaning and disinfection not only on affected farms but for all livestock producers as a part of practicing good biosecurity. APHIS has made available a number of biosecurity documents on its landing page.
ELAP Eligibility
Eligible adult dairy cattle must be:
Part of a herd that has a confirmed positive H5N1 test from NVSL;
Initially removed from commercial milk production at some point during the 14-day time period before the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test date through 120 days after the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test;
Milk-producing, currently lactating; and
Maintained for commercial milk production, in which the producer has a financial risk, on the beginning date of the eligible loss condition.
Applying for ELAP Assistance
To apply, producers need to submit the following to FSA:
Proof of herd infection through a confirmed positive H5N1 test (based on USDA’s APHIS H5N1 case definition) on individual animal or bulk tank samples confirmed by NVSL;
A notice of loss indicating the date when the loss is apparent, which is the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test; and
An application for payment certifying the number of eligible adult dairy cows, the month the cows were removed from production, and the producer’s share in the milk production.
The final date to file a notice of loss and application for payment for eligible losses is 30 days after the end of the prior calendar year, which is January 30.
Calculating ELAP Payments
The per cow milk loss payment due to H5N1 will be determined based on an expected 21-day period of no milk production when a cow is removed from the milking herd, followed by seven days when the cow has returned to milking but produces 50% of the normal amount of production.
ELAP payments are determined using a per head payment rate calculated based on the monthly all-milk price and national milk production published by the National Agricultural Statistics Service and a standard number of days with reduced or no production — (per head payment rate x number of eligible adult dairy cows x producer’s share in milk production x 90%)
To apply, producers should contact the FSA at their local USDA Service Center.
USDA continues to work with the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and State veterinary and public health officials to investigate H5N1 among cattle. APHIS continues to provide confirmatory testing for samples from livestock as well as guidance for producers, veterinarians, and state animal health officials. Learn more at APHIS’ Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detections in Livestock webpage.
The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), International Dairy Foods Association and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) commended the passage into law of commitments by the Chilean National Congress that safeguards the rights of U.S. cheese and meat exporters to use certain common names – such as “parmesan” and “prosciutto” – to market and sell their products in the Chilean market.
The agreement came together following an exchange of letters between U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Chile’s Undersecretary of International Economic Relations Claudia Sanhueza on June 21, which confirmed a mutual understanding and agreement that U.S. exporters will be able to continue to market their products in Chile using a number of common cheese and meat terms.
Certain provisions under the EU-Chile trade agreement signed in December 2023 enabled the unfair treatment of U.S. meat and dairy products by abusing geographical indication protections. In response, CCFN, NMPF and USDEC worked closely with U.S. and Chilean government officials to address the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement’s (FTA) threats to U.S. cheese and meat products.
Included in the agreement is a mutual understanding regarding “prior users” of certain cheese and meat terms in the market. For a limited number of products that the EU allowed to be grandfathered and that American exporters had exported to Chile prior to the updated FTA, all U.S. producers of those products will have the right to continue to use those terms in Chile. In addition, an extensive list of common names will also be protected for use in Chile for all U.S. producers. The exchange of letters is now integrated into the FTA between the two countries and is subject to its provisions, including the FTA’s enforcement measures.
“CCFN applauds the Administration for their initiative to negotiate the protection of parmesan and a number of other key products,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director for CCFN. “We greatly appreciate USTR and USDA’s work with the Chilean government and urge the Administration to continue its efforts to push back against the European Union’s strategic monopolization of common names. To that end, it’s vital that the U.S. establish a firm policy of proactively seeking protections for common name products with key trading partners all around the world.”
“Chile is a critical market and partner for U.S. dairy in Latin America,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “We greatly appreciate USTR and USDA for their hard work to strengthen this relationship, which will directly help U.S. producers grow their businesses in Chile. We look forward to continuing to work together to create new avenues for U.S. dairy exports and to avoid similar challenges from cropping up in other international markets.”
“IDFA applauds the Biden Administration for its ongoing efforts to protect U.S. dairy exports by enforcing existing agreements and developing innovative solutions, such as this exchange of letters, to resolve unnecessary trade irritants,” said Becky Rasdall, senior vice president, trade and workforce policy, IDFA. “Throughout the process, IDFA has provided confidential feedback to U.S. negotiators and advocated as appropriate with Chilean officials, including by sharing U.S. perspectives on the economic damages of GIs with Chilean members of parliament and staff.
“In a period of no new FTA negotiations, it is imperative to protect our existing agreements. We appreciate the Biden Administration agreeing with this sentiment and responding to the EU’s attempt to limit the benefits of the U.S.-Chile FTA. IDFA commends the efforts of USTR and USDA staff in Washington and Santiago for ensuring U.S. cheeses can continue to be exported to one of our oldest FTA partners.”
“This agreement is a milestone for U.S. dairy producers,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “It ensures that many of our products will maintain fair access to the Chilean market, supporting the growth and success of American dairy farmers on a global scale. Now, we need to build on that momentum by securing agreements with other trading partners to protect export opportunities for even more U.S. cheeses.”
The agreement will enter into force 90 days from the National Congress’ Sept. 3 approval.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Casablanca, Morocco, Dec. 2-5, 2024. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in participating should apply for consideration by Aug. 28.
“This mission presents a pivotal opportunity for U.S. agribusinesses to tap into Morocco’s dynamic market and leverage its strategic position for wider African access,” Taylor said. “We are committed to facilitating these vital connections and expanding U.S. agricultural exports.”
Morocco is the second-largest export market for U.S. agriculture in Africa. U.S. sales of farm and food products to the country topped $619 million last year, representing 16 percent of the continent’s market share. American agricultural exports to Morocco have doubled since the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement entered into force in 2006.
Morocco offers a stable market and growing economy and serves as a key distribution hub for the African continent. The country is already a major importer of bulk and intermediate commodities from the United States and its expanding food processing sector and rising consumer demand are creating new potential for sales of consumer-oriented products.
U.S. exporters have opportunities in numerous sectors, including beef and beef products, dairy products, feed grains, live animals and genetics, rice, seafood, seed potatoes, soybeans and tree nuts.
During the trade mission, representatives from U.S. companies will participate in business-to-business meetings with potential importers from Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and other West African nations. Participants will also receive in-depth market briefings USDA Foreign Agricultural Service staff and other regional trade experts.
Following a live bake-off competition where eight professional chefs from across the United States were judged on their innovative pizzas highlighting California cow’s milk cheeses, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) crowned three new pizza champions in the 2024 Real California Pizza Contest, the premier national search for the best pizza recipes that feature Real California Cheeses.
Eddie Stalewski took home the $7,500 (protein category) prize for his Rose Bowl pizza.
In the protein-focused category, Eddie Stalewski, chef of Mercurio’s in Pittsburgh, Pa., grabbed the contest’s $7,500 prize for his Rose Bowl pizza.
The Rose Bowl pizza kicks off with crunchy, cheesy Frico edges on a thin, tavern-style cornmeal crust. It’s topped with mild Giardiniera vegetables, handmade Calabrian sausage, and pepperoni roses. The cheeses include Real California Fresh Mozzarella, Provolone, White Cheddar and Dry Jack. The pizza is finished with a sprinkle of pickled Juanita peppers and a basil pesto drizzle.
In the produce-focused category, Michael Vakneen, partner at Truly Pizza in Dana Point, Calif., earned a $7,500 prize for his Umami Mushroom pizza.
The Umami Mushroom pizza is a deeply flavored creation with Real California Smoked Mozzarella, Stracchino, and TomaRashi cheeses combined with marinated roasted mushrooms – all topped with a creamy onion and garlic sauce. Touches of toasted sesame oil, sesame seeds, chopped green onion and bonito flakes complete the taste profile.
Michael Vakneen was awarded the $7,500 (produce category) prize for his Umami Mushroom pizza.
In a special team three-cheese pizza bake off, Vakneen and Jay Falk, chef at Caliente Pizza & Draft House in Pittsburgh, Pa., joined up to win the top prize. The pair shared the contest’s $7,500 prize.
The five other professional chef competitors each received $750 for reaching the bake-off competition finals.
“Chefs thrive on innovation and we saw that with our winning chefs and recipes this year. We were pleased to see the variety of Real California cheese and dairy products they tapped into for inspiration,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “All the recipes at the bake-off gave the finalists an opportunity to show the judges how products made with milk from California dairy families improve the quality and flavor profile of any pizza.”
The 6th Real California Pizza Contest, held at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, Calif., was open to professional chefs and culinary students across the United States. The 2024 contest again produced a record number of entries leading to a competitive finalist selection and exciting live event for participants.
The competition was judged by a renowned panel of judges including 13-time World Pizza Champion and owner of 22 culinary concepts, Tony Gemignani; certified pizzaiolo and award-winning executive chef Glenn Cybulski; and professional chef and 2023 Real California Pizza Contest Grand Prize Winner Bill Crawford. Judges based scores on a range of factors including taste, texture and the inventive use of cheeses made with Real California Milk.
“California’s position as the country’s number one producer of milk and Mozzarella is a testament to the hard work of the state’s dairy farm families and processors,” said John Talbot, CEO of the CMAB. “Whether in pizza or any other menu item, chefs know they can depend on the quality, sustainability and flavor of more than 250 cheeses being made in California.”
The 2024 Real California Pizza Contest finalists and winners:
Protein
CATEGORY WINNER: Eddie Stalewski, Mecurio’s, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Jose Valverde, Zorba’s Pizza, Millbrae, Calif.
Leith Leiser-Miller, Psychic Pie, Sebastopol, Calif.
Jay Falk, Caliente Pizza & Draft House, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Produce
CATEGORY WINNER: Michael Vakneen, Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.
WINNERS: Jay Falk, Caliente Pizza & Draft House, Pittsburgh, Pa. and Michael Vakneen, Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.
Details on the bake-off event, chef finalists and the CMAB are available on the Real California Pizza Contest website. An online recipe book with all 8 finalist pizzas and the team three-cheese pizza, as well as exclusive videos from the contest, will be released online in September.
California is a reliable, consistent source of sustainable dairy products used by chefs throughout the world. As the nation’s largest dairy state, California boasts an impressive lineup of award-winning cheesemakers and dairy processors, that help drive dining innovation nationwide.
About Real California Milk/the California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.
The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from California’s family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced a consumer promotion focused on the breakfast occasion this season. Whether families with children headed back to school or those who are looking to simply reset and settle back into a routine after a busy summer, quick and easy recipes made with wholesome Real California Milk dairy products can make mornings mean more for everyone.
Mornings Mean More communicates messages of re-establishing morning routines while offering delicious and nutritious breakfast solutions for busy mornings. The recipes highlighted in the campaign can all be made in 20 minutes or less, including Magical Cereal Milk Latte with Salted Caramel Whipped Cream, Chocolate Shell Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats, One Pan Skillet Breakfast Sandwich, Black and Blueberry Ricotta Grilled Toast and more.
The promotion, which runs August 5 through September 8, will be geotargeted around 1,170 California retail locations including Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions, Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill, Bristol Farms, Cardenas Markets, Safeway, Smart & Final and Stater Bros. Markets. It will be supported with in-store media and shopper marketing activations. Integrated digital media will include banner ads and in-line recipe pairings throughout Chicory’s recipe network, Instacart promotions, targeted email blasts, influencer activations, sponsored social media posts, and targeted display banner ads.
“Breakfast is essential to starting the day right and dairy is an essential part of breakfast. Our Mornings Mean More campaign and featured breakfast recipes were curated to showcase a range of California dairy products while inspiring both families and individuals to create quick and nutritious meals to start their days,” said Katelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “High quality, sustainably produced California dairy products are perfect additions to make breakfast that much more special.”
California is the nation’s leading milk producer and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families. California dairy farm families are proud leaders in sustainable farming practices.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter,Instagram and Pinterest.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) are asking the U.S. government to prepare a plan to “leverage all available tools” should Colombia move forward with imposing countervailing tariffs on U.S. milk-powder exports, making that request in a recent letter sent to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.
USDEC and NMPF also commended a complementary Congressional letter sent Friday to Colombian Ambassador to the United States Luis Gilberto Murillo in response to the investigation. Led by Reps. Jim Costa, D-CA, Adrian Smith, R-NE, Jimmy Panetta, D-CA and Dusty Johnson, R-SD, the letter highlights that the U.S. and Colombian dairy industries should be working collaboratively to promote policies that strengthen the dairy sector instead of launching “damaging protectionist investigations.”
Colombia’s recent decision to initiate an unwarranted Subsidies and Countervailing Measures investigation into U.S. exports of milk powder is a tariff threat without merit, USDEC and NMPF say in the letter, noting that no causal link exists between U.S. milk powder exports and the injury alleged by Colombian officials. The letter also explains that imported milk powder products and domestically produced fluid milk are not interchangeable ingredients in a food manufacturing facility.
“The U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement has been a success story for American and Colombian producers and consumers alike,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “Initiating unfounded investigations undermines this progress and is a step backward in our trade relationship. We appreciate the Ag Trade Caucus leaders for recognizing this investigation for what it is – baseless. USDEC commends the U.S. interagency team for their extensive work on the ongoing investigation and will continue to work closely with the U.S. government and Congress as the legal process moves forward.”
“NMPF appreciates Representatives Costa, Smith, Panetta and Johnson for standing up for American dairy producers’ market access rights,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “We will continue working with the U.S. government to ensure this unsubstantiated investigation doesn’t set a dangerous precedent.”
The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.
The debate over the California dairy industry’s Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) continues; but this time it’s not about whether to keep or sunset the program. Dairy producers will soon have the opportunity to vote in a referendum on some adjustments to the program that will affect all producers. Watch this brief interview with Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies as he explains to Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.
