The annual meeting of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is open to professionals from all sectors of the dairy industry — producers, processors, cooperative leaders and suppliers — to discuss and debate the hottest policy issues in the industry. The Dairy Forum meeting is January 20-23, 2008 in La Quinta, Calif. The meeting’s agenda is packed with informative sessions – be sure to register today!

Momentum is building to reform the Federal Milk Marketing Orders. Many industry leaders believe the current federal order system is hurting the industry’s performance and competitiveness. Congress wants to create a commission to study the system and recommend solutions, and industry organizations have developed task forces to do the same. The question is: How can we reach consensus? At Dairy Forum four industry leaders will discuss the need for reform and consider approaches to change that will garner industry agreement and support. Andy Novakovic, professor of agricultural policy at Cornell University, will serve as moderator for a lively discussion between panelists Dave Fuhrmann, president and CEO of Foremost Farms; John Kaneb, chairman of HP Hood; and Lee Davis, senior director, Global Dairy Buying Group, Kraft Foods.