Dairy Industry Leaders Visit UK And EU To Expand Market Access
In a strategic move to grow U.S. dairy exports, leaders from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) travelled to Europe during the week of June 23.
The delegation aimed to strengthen ties and push for greater access to markets in the United Kingdom and the European Union.
Led by NMPF CEO Gregg Doud and joined by Shawna Morris and Jaime Castaneda, the group included USDEC’s top leadership - President Krysta Harden, Chair Becky Nyman, and Vice Chair Alex Peterson. Their goal was to represent U.S. dairy producers and promote industry interests abroad.
In the UK, visits to dairy farms and meetings with policymakers, including Chief U.S. Trade Negotiator Graham Floater, focused on collaboration opportunities and the benefits of U.S. dairy imports for British markets.
While in Brussels, the delegation met with EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, U.S. diplomatic staff, and officials from EU trade and food safety departments.
Discussions included the importance of aligning EU regulations with World Trade Organization rules to ensure fair competition.
NMPF drew attention to the $3 billion dairy trade deficit with the EU, caused largely by excessive non-tariff and tariff restrictions. They advocated for streamlined, science-based policies that support balanced trade growth.
“We’re committed to growing market access while advocating for balanced regulations that benefit producers and consumers on both sides,” said NMPF leadership during the meetings.
The trip also included discussions with major industry organizations such as COPA-COGECA, Eucolait, and the International Dairy Federation. These efforts underscore the importance of international engagement to secure a stronger future for U.S. dairy.