WASHINGTON, MARCH 18, 2021— IDFA is pleased to see the U.S. House of Representatives pass the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, and we’re thankful to U.S. Reps. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) for introducing the bill, along with their colleagues Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Mike Simpson (R-ID), and the 18 other bill co-sponsors for their leadership on this important issue. 

“Among its many important provisions, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act would create a new year-round visa program and appropriately addresses dairy’s labor needs. America’s dairy industry produces the safest, most nutritious, and most affordable variety of dairy products to consumers around the world, but without a reliable, predictable guestworker program to ensure legal labor remains available, our industry cannot obtain and process enough milk to meet global demand.

On behalf of America’s dairy industry, IDFA urges the Senate to take up this bill as a much-needed positive step forward to address the workforce needs of dairy farmers and our industry.”

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The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $159 billion in wages and $620 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

IDFA Media Contact

Gene Grabowski

Special Advisor and Spokesman