By Mark O'Keefe

FAQ 3: How did the U.S. Dairy Export Council start? 

The U.S. dairy industry saw and seized an opportunity.

The 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) opened up trade to Mexico and Canada, while the finalization of the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and establishment of the World Trade Organization that same year spoke to even broader potential.

The vision: If U.S. milk producers, dairy processors and others in the industry could work hand-in-hand to increase the value and volume of U.S. dairy exports, all boats would rise.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council was born in 1995. Under the governance of Dairy Management Inc., with funding from the dairy checkoff and guidance from its member companies, USDEC has accomplished what its founders envisioned, clearing new paths to global markets.

USDEC was and still is the only dairy organization that brings together milk producers, dairy processors, co-ops, ingredient suppliers and export traders under one roof.