IDFA, NMPF submit plan of action for US dairy industry to USDA
The Milk Crisis Plan for USDA presents the organizations’ objectives to support US dairy during the coronavirus crisis.
On April 6, the Arlington, Va.-based National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted a request for assistance to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Called the Milk Crisis Plan for USDA, the plan, which also will be presented to Congressional Ag Committee leaders, presents the organizations’ objectives to support U.S. dairy through the coronavirus-related crisis, Washington, D.C.-based IDFA said.
In an email sent to IDFA members, Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, said the organizations estimate that supply exceeds demand by at least 10% — “a gap that could widen as supply increases to its seasonal peak and as 'shelter in place' conditions endure.” The plan presents the organizations’ objectives to support U.S. dairy through this crisis, “beginning with an urgent plea: Use as many tools as possible — as quickly as possible — to bridge the supply/demand gap without any longer term market repercussions.”