Dairy Processing - July/Aug 2024 - 28

As work
continues on
the Farm Bill,
we hope all
lawmakers
will agree that
a measured
increase in
DBII funding
over the next
five years will
pay off for
generations
to come. "
Rebekah Sweeney,
Wisconsin Cheese
Makers Association
WCMA shared that Rep. Derrick Van Orden
(R-Wis.) entered the letter into the official
record as he introduced an amendment to
provide $36 million in annual authorization
for DBII. House Committee on Agriculture
Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) committed
to support DBII as the Farm Bill progresses, and
the amendment was withdrawn.
" While WCMA and many dairy business
leaders seek the express inclusion of boosted
funding in the House bill, we appreciate
Congressman Van Orden's championship
of DBII and trust that Chairman Thompson
will work to secure the $36 million in annual
support necessary to a maintenance of
program impact, " Sweeney said. " Inflation and
the addition of a fourth innovation center on
the West Coast require an increase in Dairy
Business Innovation Initiative support moving
forward to ensure farmers and processors
can continue to expand their production and
business development, providing greater
stability in our food supply chain. "
WCMA shared that the letter - sent to
agricultural appropriations subcommittees
chairs Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.), and agriculture
committees chairs Sen. Debbie Stabenow
(D-Mich.) and Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.) -
requests $36 million in annual support for DBII.
Organic Valley director of government and
industry affairs Adam Warthesen said the dairy
industry is under pressure as it deals with
market disruptions, supply chain concerns,
labor issues and biosecurity threats.
" [DBII resources offer] both farmers
and processors opportunity to innovate and
modernize amid those challenges, creating
more stable, more resilient businesses, "
Warthesen said. " Since the program was
first launched, we've seen both inflation and
increased demand for DBII dollars, and $36
million in annual federal funding will deliver
the support needed now. "
The battle for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines
IDFA submitted comments to the
2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory
Committee (DGAC) urging the
panel to maintain and enhance
dairy's role as a core component
of a recommended healthy diet
for Americans. The DGAC, a committee
of 20 nationally recognized
nutrition and public health experts,
reviews the current body of
nutrition science and develops a
scientific report to inform the federal
government's development of
the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines
for Americans (DGA). The DGAC
is expected to publish its report in
late 2024.
IDFA highlighted the latest science
demonstrating
dairy
is a
key component of healthy eating
patterns associated with better
health outcomes. IDFA noted that
the preponderance of scientific
evidence contradicts the outdated
DGA recommendation that
Americans avoid dairy at higher
fat levels.
" There is an overwhelming body
of science demonstrating dairy
nutrition is essential and delivers
multiple health benefits, " said Michael
Dykes, president and chief
executive officer, IDFA. " The arguments
against dairy fat are no
longer legitimate. And the widespread
availability of lactose-free
milk and dairy, which is exploding
in popularity, means dairy is more
accessible than ever to all people
and all dietary needs. "
In the draft conclusion statement
presented at the DGAC public
meeting in January, dairy was
not included in the dietary pat28
JUL-AUG 2024 | DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
terns associated with favorable
outcomes for body weight and
obesity in adults. This is a significant
change from the 2020 DGAC
conclusion statement.
" Dairy products are an unparalleled
source of essential nutrients
that support health across all life
stages, " said Roberta Wagner, senior
vice president of regulatory
and scientific
affairs, IDFA. " We
urge the DGAC to recognize the
comprehensive scientific evidence
supporting the inclusion of dairy,
including full-fat options, in their
report to inform the development
of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines
for Americans. Ensuring a
variety of dairy products are accessible
to everyone will promote
healthier dietary patterns and better
health outcomes nationwide. "
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