California Ag Network

Tag: Dairy Exports

  • USDEC, NMPF Thank Administration for Maintaining Pressure on Canada

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) expressed their strong appreciation to the Trump Administration for its continued focus on using all available trade tools to resolve outstanding U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dairy market access issues with Canada. With a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports taking effect on Saturday, the organizations urged Canada to return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation.

    “We appreciate the Administration’s persistence in standing up for American dairy producers and exporters who have waited far too long for Canada to live up to its promises,” said USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden. “Canada has had plenty of chances to fix its unfair market access practices and close the loopholes it’s used to dodge its dairy commitments under USMCA. This weekend’s action makes clear that patience has run out. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration until Canada resolves these issues and America’s dairy farmers and exporters see the full benefits USMCA promised.”

    “This action sends an unmistakable message that Canada’s ongoing disregard for its USMCA dairy commitments carries real consequences,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “It’s time for Canada to stop looking for workarounds and instead sit down in good faith to resolve these outstanding USMCA dairy implementation issues. Canadian retaliation would only serve to force the United States’ hand in escalating its leverage. The objective should be for both our countries to prevent increased friction and build on the progress made through weeks of negotiations.”

    Under USMCA, Canada committed to providing meaningful additional duty-free access for U.S. dairy exports through a series of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs). Canada’s administration of those TRQs has repeatedly resulted in chronic underfill. In addition, Canada has continued to exploit loopholes to sidestep USMCA disciplines on dairy protein exports. NMPF and USDEC have consistently urged the Administration to prioritize resolution of both issues as part of the ongoing USMCA Joint Review and continue to call on Canada to come to the table and negotiate in good faith. — Story contributed by the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council

  • IDFA Supports USMCA Review

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) was in Mexico City to support ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Becky Rasdall Vargas, IDFA’s senior vice president of trade and workforce, is engaging with U.S. government officials and industry stakeholders to advance IDFA’s priorities: preserve USMCA and strengthen it for dairy.

    “USMCA is essential to the competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry and to the strength of North America’s agricultural economy,” said President and CEO Michael Dykes. “As the review process moves forward, we support U.S. negotiators efforts to resolve outstanding dairy commitments and preserve this agreement that is so vital to the economic growth, investment and long-term certainty for U.S. dairy processors and consumers across the region.”

    Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. dairy products, buying $2.57b of U.S. dairy exports in 2025. As part of the review process, IDFA has consistently advocated for addressing current USMCA commitments that have not been implemented. IDFA has advocated preserving the agreement for the continued stability and growth of the U.S. dairy sector in North America.

    “The USMCA review presents the best opportunity U.S. dairy has had in six years to take a fresh look at and build on the strong trading relationship we have with Mexico,” said Rasdall Vargas. “While USMCA dairy trade issues commonly focus on Canada, ultimately, every trade relationship has areas to improve upon, and Mexico is no different.  IDFA appreciates Mexico’s constructive engagement in negotiations and looks forward to supporting a positive and speedy conclusion of the USMCA review with Mexico.”

    To learn more about IDFA’s trade policy priorities and advocacy efforts, visit www.idfa.org.

    — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • IDFA Supports USMCA Review

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is in Mexico City this week to support ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Becky Rasdall Vargas, IDFA’s senior vice president of trade and workforce, is engaging with U.S. government officials and industry stakeholders to advance IDFA’s priorities: preserve USMCA and strengthen it for dairy.

    “USMCA is essential to the competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry and to the strength of North America’s agricultural economy,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of IDFA. “As the review process moves forward, we support U.S. negotiators efforts to resolve outstanding dairy commitments and preserve this agreement that is so vital to the economic growth, investment and long-term certainty for U.S. dairy processors and consumers across the region.”

    Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. dairy products, buying $2.57b of U.S. dairy exports in 2025. As part of the review process, IDFA has consistently advocated for addressing current USMCA commitments that have not been implemented. IDFA has advocated preserving the agreement for the continued stability and growth of the U.S. dairy sector in North America.

    “The USMCA review presents the best opportunity U.S. dairy has had in six years to take a fresh look at and build on the strong trading relationship we have with Mexico,” said Rasdall Vargas. “While USMCA dairy trade issues commonly focus on Canada, ultimately, every trade relationship has areas to improve upon, and Mexico is no different.  IDFA appreciates Mexico’s constructive engagement in negotiations and looks forward to supporting a positive and speedy conclusion of the USMCA review with Mexico.”

    To learn more about IDFA’s trade policy priorities and advocacy efforts, visit www.idfa.org. — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • Innovations Enable Fluid Milk Exports

    While California is celebrated for its cheese, demand is high for fluid milk exports. Dairies are updating their technology to give milk a longer shelf life and with it, producers can more easily get in on the export market. Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network spoke with Glenn Millar from the California Milk Advisory Board to talk about these developments and how dairy producers can expand their presence in the international market. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Dairy Magazine.

  • Dairy Prices Continue to Gain Strength

    Butter, cheese and dry whey showed growth in both domestic use and exports in February. Despite recent focus on high-protein products, butter had a particularly strong month, with exports up 94% and domestic use up 15% year-over-year. Healthy demand for dairy products is supporting commodity prices at the CME, with all except dry whey posting monthly gains in March. Nonfat dry milk (NFDM) reached record levels in mid-April as high protein products competed for skim solids. DMC margins improved slightly from January, settling at $8.46/cwt for February, and recent price rallies in commodity prices are expected to boost margins in the coming months.

    American consumers are seeking out higher-protein products like cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, sending less milk to dryers (see March’s Graph of the Month). That in turn is tightening availability of NFDM and contributing to record high NFDM prices. With over 70% of NFDM typically exported, the U.S. now sits significantly above EU and NZ pricing. If U.S. sales to these markets begin to ease, prices are likely to follow. Yet even if prices eventually decline, thanks to the strength and pull of protein in products like yogurts, cottage cheese and beverages, NFDM prices should be firmer than the last several years, even if today’s altitude is unlikely to be maintained indefinitely.

    Source: National Milk Producers Federation

    Read the full National Milk Producers Federation report here. — Story contributed by the National Milk Producers Federation

  • U.S. Dairy Comments USTR Trade Estimate Report

    The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended USTR for spotlighting persistent trade barriers facing U.S. dairy exporters in the 2026 National Trade Estimate report:

    “Nearly one in every six pounds of milk produced in America is shipped to a customer overseas,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “When foreign markets are closed off by bogus restrictions, the pain is felt directly on farms across this country. The administration’s work through reciprocal trade negotiations to knock down these barriers is exactly the kind of advocacy American dairy farmers need, and we are grateful to see it reflected in this report.”

    “The inclusion of dairy trade barriers in this report and the administration’s concrete action to address them through reciprocal trade negotiations sends a clear signal that the United States is serious about opening markets for American dairy exporters,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “Every unnecessary certification requirement dismantled, every unjustified facility registration eliminated, and every market access commitment secured through these agreements is a win for U.S. dairy. We thank the administration for confronting the barriers directly and we look forward to building on that progress.”

    “The EU’s common name confiscation campaign is one of the most cynical trade tactics in the world today, and we are grateful that this administration has made confronting it a priority,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN, said. “By documenting the EU’s geographical indications agenda prominently in the NTE Report and pushing back against it in reciprocal trade negotiations, USTR is standing up for American producers of cheeses, wines, meats, and beers. We strongly encourage the administration to keep up the great work.”

    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 Consortium for Common Food Names is an independent, international alliance whose goal is to work with leaders in agriculture, trade, and intellectual property rights to foster the adoption of high standards and model geographical indication guidelines throughout the world. Learn more at www.commonfoodnames.com.

  • U.S. Dairy Testifies on State of Maritime Supply Chain

    Tony Rice, Senior Director of Trade Policy at the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust on the maritime supply chain challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

    The U.S. dairy industry exported $9.6 billion and three million metric tons of cheeses, milk powders, whey proteins, and other dairy products last year, making reliable transportation vital to its economic wellbeing. Yet American dairy exporters have little choice but to rely on a small number of ocean carrier options, almost all of which are foreign owned.

    “Dairy farmers milk their cows 365 days a year,” Rice said. “When export shipments are delayed, cancelled, or become more expensive to move, the disruptions ripple back through the supply chain and ultimately affect farm income.”

    Rice drew on lessons from the pandemic-induced supply chain crisis, when severe delays, routinely cancelled bookings and unprecedented port congestion disrupted cargo movements and cost U.S. dairy producers billions in unexpected costs and lost sales opportunities. While the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 addressed several issues related to unfair fees, Rice highlighted that dairy exporters in the U.S. continue to face operational uncertainty when bookings are rejected, port calls are skipped or receiving windows shift without explanation.

    To address these challenges, the U.S. dairy industry called for greater investment in the domestic maritime sector to expand American shipbuilding capacity, robust Federal Maritime Commission oversight of the global maritime carrier marketplace and increased transparency from ocean carriers on booking decisions.

    “We recognize the importance of efficient global shipping networks,” Rice said. “Our concern is ensuring that those networks work for American dairy exporters as well as they work for global carriers.”

    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.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Welcomes Adrienne Daniels as EVP of Marketing

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), the marketing order representing California dairy producers, today announced the addition of Adrienne Daniels as  Executive Vice President of Marketing. In this role, Daniels will lead strategic marketing initiatives to expand awareness, engagement, and sales of Real California dairy products across domestic and international markets.

    Daniels brings over two decades of marketing leadership experience in the consumer packaged goods industry, having built, grown, and revitalized brands across a broad spectrum of categories. Most recently, she served as Senior Marketing Director at Gallo, where she managed a portfolio of more than 60 brands, including Black Box Wines, Apothic Wines, and Carlo Rossi Wines. Under her leadership, Daniels led brand turnarounds, launched innovative campaigns with record-breaking ROI, and launched over 15 new wines.

    Before beginning her more than 11-year tenure at Gallo, Daniels spent over 13 years at General Mills, holding multiple marketing leadership positions across iconic brands such as Cheerios, Pillsbury, and Progresso. Her strategic and creative leadership helped modernize legacy brands, drive multicultural marketing initiatives, and pioneered new approaches to health-focused consumer engagement.

    Daniels earned her MBA from Stanford University and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

    An active community leader, she has supported education and literacy as a past mentor to Learning Quest through the Stanislaus Community Foundation’s Profit with Purpose program.

    Daniels is dedicated to championing women in business and has held numerous leadership roles advancing this cause throughout her career. In her previous role, she served as a key leader within Gallo’s Women of Wine & Spirits group, an organization committed to promoting and recognizing the achievements of women across the industry. Daniels also engaged in women’s networks while in her position at General Mills.

    “Adrienne brings a wealth of strategic marketing expertise, creative insight, and a deep understanding of consumer engagement,” said Bob Carroll, CEO of the CMAB. “Her proven ability to grow and reposition major brands will be instrumental as CMAB continues to drive demand and build connections with today’s dairy consumers.”

    California is the number one dairy state with more than 1,000 family dairy farms focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    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. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

  • California Milk Advisory Board Offers Opportunity For Student Ambassadors With International Audiences


    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in  CMAB’s partner countries.

    The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.

    Over the six-week period, interns will spend time with CMAB marketing organizations overseas in order to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Vice President of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, November 14, 2024. Additional information is available here.

    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 is the leading U.S. state in dairy production. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    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.

  • Opportunities for CA Tree Nuts & Dairy in Upcoming Trade Mission to Mexico

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its upcoming agribusiness trade mission to Mexico City, Mexico, scheduled for November 3–6. U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Mexico’s dynamic agricultural market must apply by Thursday, July 31.

    “Strengthening export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses is a top priority of USDA,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in Mexico, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.”

    Mexico was the largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in 2024, with sales totaling more than $30 billion, supporting approximately 190,000 U.S. jobs. Agricultural trade between the United States and Mexico under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) reached nearly $79 billion in 2024 and has shown consistent growth over the last decade.

    To ensure the protection of U.S. livestock herds, in June, Secretary Rollins launched a Bold Plan to combat New World Screwworm (PDF, 434 KB) by protecting our border at all costs, increasing eradication efforts in Mexico, and increasing readiness. USDA also announced the groundbreaking of a sterile fly dispersal facility in South Texas. This facility will provide a critical contingency capability to disperse sterile flies should a NWS detection be made in the southern United States.

    Growing U.S. exports to Mexico are supported by factors such as rising disposable income among Mexico’s upper middle class, familiarity with U.S. products and food trends, and strong demand for high-quality agricultural goods.

    Consumer-oriented products represent the largest share of U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico and have increased by more than 75 percent between 2020 and 2024. USDA anticipates strong export opportunities across several product sectors, including:

    •Beef, poultry, and related products

    •Dairy products

    •Seafood

    •Tree nuts

    •Pet food

    •Baking and food processing ingredients

    Additional opportunities exist for U.S. products such as animal feed, rice, pulses, seed potatoes, and livestock genetics.

    During the trade mission, U.S. agribusiness representatives will connect directly with buyers from Mexico City and surrounding regions through business-to-business meetings, market briefings, site visits, and networking events led by FAS staff and regional experts.

    For more information or to apply, see the Mexico Agribusiness Trade Mission webpage. The application deadline is Thursday, July 31, 2025.

    The Mexico trade mission is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Thailand, Guatemala, Hong Kong, and Peru have delivered measurable success for U.S. exporters. Applications are now closed for the trade mission to Taiwan. To learn more about FAS agribusiness trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.