By Jamie Martin
After securing major wins in Congress, including dairy margin coverage and tax relief, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is focusing on new priorities: improving milk choice in schools and solving labor issues on dairy farms.
The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act is gaining ground in the Senate. It would allow schools to offer whole and 2% milk, not just low-fat options. These milk types are popular in homes and contain the same nutrients. The bill has bipartisan backing from Senators Roger Marshall and Peter Welch. It may soon be approved by the Senate and sent to the House, where Representatives GT Thompson and Kim Schrier are ready to support quick passage.
On labor, NMPF is calling for better access to the H-2A visa program and protection for current dairy workers. The effort is based on a recent report from the House Agriculture Labor Working Group. This comes at a time of increased deportation activity affecting dairy operations.
To educate and support its members, NMPF held a webinar on immigration law and shared an op-ed by veterinary leader Meggan Hain, who highlighted how labor shortages harm animal care.
Another major push will come through a possible “Farm Bill 2.0,” expected to address remaining policy needs. NMPF aims to use this bill to support the SAFETY Act, which helps protect food names like "parmesan" and "bologna" in trade deals.
These new efforts follow the July 4 legislation that renewed Dairy Margin Coverage through 2031, boosted conservation and animal health funding, and extended clean fuel tax credits that benefit manure-based fuel producers.
NMPF continues to ensure U.S. dairy farmers are well-supported on multiple policy fronts.
Photo Credit: istock-cagkansayin
Categories: National