By Jamie Martin
Recently U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have made significant strides in South America by advancing partnerships aimed at promoting international dairy cooperation.
In a move to fortify the dairy sector, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Abraleite, Brazil's leading milk producers association, and renewed an existing MOU with Sociedad Rural Argentina (SRA).
These agreements are part of a broader strategy to enhance collaboration between the U.S. and South American dairy industries. They focus on key issues such as economic growth, social impacts of the dairy sector, and the reduction of trade barriers that affect both producers and consumers.
Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, highlighted the importance of these partnerships. "Our engagements in South America are crucial as we tackle shared challenges in the dairy sector and work against the rise of trade barriers," she stated.
An exciting development from the renewed MOU with SRA is the creation of a Sustainability and Trade Taskforce. This initiative counters European policies that may disadvantage producers in the Americas, promoting livestock production as an essential part of sustainable food systems and advocating for science-based trade policies.
Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, emphasized the mutual challenges and goals across the Western Hemisphere. "Working alongside organizations like Abraleite and SRA, we aim to advance policies that favor dairy and minimize trade barriers," he explained.
These efforts build on a partnership with the Colombian dairy organization Asoleche, enhancing USDEC and NMPF’s commitment to finding common ground and promoting international dairy cooperation.
This growing network now includes vital collaborations in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and with other organizations across the Americas, solidifying the U.S. commitment to a thriving global dairy industry.
Photo Credit: national-milk-producers-federation
Categories: National