The National Milk Producers Federation, which has represented dairy farmers and their cooperatives in Washington since 1916, is expanding its mission to tackle state-level policy challenges that increasingly affect the industry nationwide.
While federal advocacy remains central to NMPF’s work, the organization recognizes that many critical policies affecting dairy operations now originate in state capitals rather than Washington. As part of a broader strategic initiative, NMPF is developing new resources and programs to better support dairy advocates at the state level while strengthening their federal efforts.
The impact of state policies varies significantly across different regions. A prime example involves Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, which transfer the burden of managing packaging waste from consumers and local governments to manufacturers. These laws carry major consequences for dairy operations and cooperatives, as packaging plays a vital role in ensuring food safety, extending product shelf life, and preserving quality.
Currently, states like California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington are putting EPR systems into place. This creates a complicated patchwork of different requirements that poses challenges for cooperatives and dairy companies operating across multiple states. Since this issue hasn’t reached the federal level yet, it falls outside NMPF’s traditional scope as a federal policy advocate.
However, the organization emphasizes that this doesn’t diminish the importance of such issues for their members.
NMPF’s strategy for addressing EPR and similar concerns like raw milk regulations involves enhancing their understanding of state-level developments and helping members coordinate their responses. The organization recognizes that policy changes in one state often influence decisions elsewhere. By monitoring state-level issues more closely, NMPF can better anticipate future federal developments and prevent opponents from achieving victories by circumventing federal processes entirely.
The federation has implemented several specific measures to address this evolving policy landscape:
The organization is improving collaboration with member cooperatives and state dairy policy groups by appointing dedicated contacts for state and regional matters and conducting more frequent regional coordination sessions.
NMPF has created a State Issues Advisory Council to offer insights and feedback regarding state-level concerns and organizational priorities.
A new monthly State Issues Digest, available exclusively to members, now provides summaries of key developments affecting dairy farms and cooperatives at the state level.
The organization has also upgraded its State Dairy Association Summit, planned for July 14-15 in Arlington, Virginia. This gathering will unite state policy partners to examine emerging trends and serve as a platform for addressing common challenges and opportunities. The summit will also provide NMPF staff valuable direct insight into state-level developments and explore ways to better assist state partners.
NMPF clarifies that this expanded focus doesn’t transform the organization into a state-level lobbying entity, as that’s not part of their established mission. Instead, by bringing together experts from across the country, sharing information, and providing targeted support, they’re addressing the daily policy challenges facing dairy farmers while enhancing their Washington operations.
According to NMPF leadership, the organization remains committed to serving dairy farmers and their cooperatives as the leading dairy advocate in Washington. They emphasize their dedication to work that benefits every dairy farmer across the nation. As the policy environment continues to evolve, NMPF is positioning itself to lead the response to these changes.
The organization encourages ongoing communication from stakeholders, noting that everyone can serve as an advocate for dairy and act as observers at all levels of government.
