IDFA Welcomes USDA's $15 Million Investment in Organic Dairy Promotion
Source: DairyNews.today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has launched the Organic Dairy Product Promotion (ODPP) program, dedicating $15 million to increase access to organic dairy products in schools and youth programs. The initiative aims to improve nutritional intake among young Americans and promote partnerships between dairy producers and educational institutions.
Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), expressed strong support for the program. “IDFA applauds USDA on this new effort to increase consumption of organic dairy products among children and young adults,” Dykes said in a statement.
Citing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Dykes noted that 68% to 76.2% of school-age boys and 77.4% to 94.3% of school-age girls are not meeting recommended dairy consumption levels. “Programs like the ODPP will work to improve access to nutritious dairy products for children and young Americans while building partnerships between dairy businesses and school districts,” he said.
Dykes also urged the USDA to continue exploring innovative strategies to promote dairy consumption, particularly among communities with historically low dairy intake. He highlighted the importance of making a range of dairy options available, including conventional, organic, lactose-free, and value-added products, to better meet diverse nutritional needs.
Citing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Dykes noted that 68% to 76.2% of school-age boys and 77.4% to 94.3% of school-age girls are not meeting recommended dairy consumption levels. “Programs like the ODPP will work to improve access to nutritious dairy products for children and young Americans while building partnerships between dairy businesses and school districts,” he said.
Dykes also urged the USDA to continue exploring innovative strategies to promote dairy consumption, particularly among communities with historically low dairy intake. He highlighted the importance of making a range of dairy options available, including conventional, organic, lactose-free, and value-added products, to better meet diverse nutritional needs.
