The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) recognized six distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to food, nutrition, agricultural policymaking and ongoing support of the dairy industry.

During IDFA’s annual Celebration of Dairy, held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes, D.V.M., presented the prestigious IDFA Leadership Award to:

• U.S. Sen. John Boozman (R-Arkansas)
• U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas)
• U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-North Carolina)
• U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Washington)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Jenny Moffitt
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration Deputy Commissioner Jim Jones

The IDFA Leadership Award is presented annually to members of Congress and agency officials who demonstrate exemplary support for policies advancing the U.S. dairy sector.

“It is an honor to recognize the work of these six incredible public servants with the IDFA Leadership Award for their important contributions to a healthy, vibrant U.S. dairy industry,” said Dykes. “We are grateful for their dedication to advancing dairy’s benefits to consumers here and abroad. From ensuring dairy products are recognized and incentivized for their important nutritional benefits, to collaborating with the dairy industry to support innovative growth, these efforts support millions or good-paying jobs and the accessible, affordable nutrition provided by dairy foods. On behalf of our members, we are so pleased to honor these individuals for their tremendous work to support the continued success and growth of U.S. dairy.”  

This year’s Celebration of Dairy brought together members of Congress, key congressional staff, officials from the Biden Administration, representatives from trading partner nations, representatives from the incoming Trump administration, and leaders from the food and agriculture sectors. Attendees enjoyed an impressive array of gourmet dairy products from IDFA member companies, including cheeses, eggnog, ice cream, and butter boards, contributed by:

• BelGioioso Cheese Inc.
• Agri-Mark, Inc./Cabot Creamery
• Emmi Roth USA
• Fiscalini Farmstead
• Grande Cheese Co.
• Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc.
• Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc.
• HP Hood LLC
• The Ice Cream Club, Inc.
• Lactalis USA
• Minerva Dairy
• Norseland, Inc.
• Saputo Dairy Division USA
• Sartori Co.
• Schuman Cheese
• Tillamook County Creamery Association
• Valley Queen Cheese Factory, Inc.

 This annual event and award underscores IDFA’s commitment to recognizing public servants who champion the dairy industry’s role in enhancing nutrition, fostering innovation, and creating economic opportunity.