NMPF pushes forward on milk and labor policy updates
With major agriculture and tax legislation now passed, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) is concentrating on other key issues like school milk access and labor support for dairy farms.
One of the main focuses is the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, which would allow schools to serve whole and 2% milk alongside existing low-fat and flavored options. These milk types are most commonly consumed at home and offer the same 13 essential nutrients. The bill, led by Senators Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Peter Welch (D-VT), has cleared the Senate Agriculture Committee and may soon reach the Senate floor.
In the House, Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA) and Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA) are working to fast-track the bill once it clears the Senate.
NMPF is also pushing for immigration and labor reform tailored to dairy. They support expanding access to the H-2A visa program and stabilizing the status of current farm workers and their families. Chairman Thompson is drafting legislation based on a 2023 labor report to address this issue.
To support dairy employers, NMPF recently hosted a member webinar on immigration law and published an op-ed by Chief Veterinary Officer Meggan Hain emphasizing the importance of a stable workforce for animal care.
Looking ahead, Congress may work on a “Farm Bill 2.0” to cover programs not included in the recent budget act. This offers another opportunity to promote dairy priorities like the SAFETY Act, aimed at protecting common food names in trade.
These efforts build on wins from the July 4 “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which renewed the Dairy Margin Coverage program, increased conservation funding, expanded trade programs, and supported clean fuel initiatives using dairy manure.
NMPF continues to ensure that dairy farmers have the tools they need to thrive in today’s evolving landscape.
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