Date posted
Oct
12
A coalition of 28 organizations representing dairy farmers, processors, cooperatives, and allied businesses nationwide is urging U.S. Secretary of...
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WCMA: A Strong Voice for the Dairy Industry
WCMA is a strong voice for dairy manufacturers and their suppliers at both the state and federal government level, advocating for members' interests related to food safety and production, business-friendly policy, immigration reform, trade opportunity, transportation support, milk pricing - and much more.
What's New?
Take Action Now to Save Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives
For years, the Dairy Business Innovation (DBI) Initiatives have helped dairy farmers and processors across the country invest in new products, improve their businesses, enter new markets and create opportunities for growth.
Since the program was established by Congress, the four regional DBI Initiatives have awarded more than $106 million to 911 dairy businesses across 41 states and territories, representing approximately 87% of the nation’s milkshed.
For the first time since the DBI program was established, USDA’s latest funding opportunity requires the four existing DBI Initiatives to provide a 25% cost-share. The organizations administering the initiatives - public universities, a state agency of agriculture and a nonprofit trade association - do not have the resources to meet this new requirement.
To be clear: without a change, the new cost-share requirement makes it financially unworkable for the existing initiatives to continue operating.
Congress created DBI to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of America’s dairy industry - and now, Congress needs to hear from you!
CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS NOW
Additional Advocacy Resources
WCMA hosts regular legislative tours of manufacturing facilities and lobbying days for members. To set up or participate in one of these impactful events, contact WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.
The WCMA Board of Directors and the WCMA Policy Committee, together with WCMA staff, work to develop formal policy positions on a broad range of issues. Learn more about our federal and state positions in the statements below.
Ready to get involved? Email WCMA Senior Director of Programs & Policy Rebekah Sweeney.
Date posted
Oct
6
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is urging U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to reverse a newly imposed 25%...
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Date posted
Sep
17
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) welcomed the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry's 12-11 vote Wednesday...
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Date posted
Aug
6
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today acknowledged the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry's 10-11 vote on...
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Date posted
Jun
22
The Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA), a partnership between the Center for Dairy Research (CDR) and the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association...
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Date posted
Jun
18
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski joined Dairy State Cheese and Wisconsin Cheese...
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Date posted
Apr
30
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today applauded passage of a long-awaited new five-year Farm Bill in the U.S. House of...
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Date posted
Mar
1
When hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake – and billions in long-term dairy demand hang in the balance – you lean in to the...
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Date posted
Feb
20
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today applauded members of the State Assembly for passing legislation to stabilize the FoodShare...
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Date posted
Feb
11
A broad coalition of agribusinesses and hunger relief groups today urged Wisconsin lawmakers to address an urgent need for $69.2 million in...
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Date posted
Jan
21
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) today welcomed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) award of over $11 million in new...
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Date posted
Nov
13
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) is commending passage of one year of funding for both the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives program...
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