Explore how the US and Mexico dairy industries are strengthening ties for mutual growth and advocacy. Will this cross-border cooperation boost the dairy sector? Find out more.
In the effort to establish sustainable and mutually advantageous strategies, the cream of the crop from the United States and Mexico’s dairy sectors congregated in Chihuahua, Mexico, this week. Your question might be – what was the foremost objective of this assembly?
Well, it was nothing short of reinforcing a united commitment to collaboration, with a keen focus on the promotion of beneficial dairy policies for both nations. This essential convergence marks the sixth of its kind, a tradition borne from the year 2016, and it brought together the pivotal contributors to both nations’ dairy industries.
From the United States perspective, the representation was nothing short of inspiring. Alongside the prominent the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), the delegation comprised of representatives cherry-picked from over 14 member companies. This vibrant group included U.S. farmer representatives, and the diligent staff members of both USDEC and NMPF.
“A diverse amalgamation of individuals, all united by the fervor for a thriving dairy industry.”
Mexican Dairy Organizations Take a Stand
On the Mexican side of the table, the gathering was marked by the strong presence of leading members of key sector organizations, illustrating the country’s steadfast commitment to enhancing the dairy industry. These influential parties included personnel from the Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (National Organization of Livestock Organizations), Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Leche (Mexican Association of Milk Producers), Gremio de Productores Lecheros de Mexico (Mexican Dairy Producers Guild), Cámara Nacional de Industriales de la Leche (National Chamber of Milk Industries), and the Consejo Nacional Agropecuario (National Agricultural Council).
Through the span of the week, these dedicated attendees immersed themselves in rigorous dialogues encompassing a broad range of critical issues currently impacting the dairy industry. The talks ranged from those specific to their in-country markets to those that resonate on a global scale.
Krysta Harden, the President and CEO of the USDEC, articulated what many were feeling. “Our two industries face numerous shared challenges that necessitate cooperative efforts,” she explained earnestly. “Mexico remains, and will persist to be, an invaluable ally for U.S. dairy. Meetings such as these enforce these crucial relationships and prime both nations’ dairy sectors for ongoing prosperity.”
Echoing the sentiment was Gregg Doud, President and CEO of NMPF. “The U.S. and Mexico dairy industries are essential collaborators on the joint objective to boost demand and safeguard dairy’s reputation,” he declared. “The reinvigorated commitment we formally agreed to today fortifies this significant relation further.”
A Peek Inside the Reny Picot Mexico Plant
One of the key activities lined up for the week was a tour of the Reny Picot Mexico plant, based in Chihuahua. The attendees, including dairy industry representatives and stakeholders from both countries, were privy to firsthand experience of the operations at the Reny Picot facility – a unique and distinguished producer of demineralized whey powder in Mexico. These tours serve as excellent platforms for partners to learn from each other and explore potential areas for improvement in their respective operations.
Reny Picot isn’t just a significant figure in the Mexican dairy sector for its whey powder production; it also holds a considerable market share in the nonfat dry milk powder segment. It imports a staggering average of 5,000 metric tons per month, a fairly impressive statistic that strengthens its position as an influencer in the local dairy industry.
The Joint Statement: A New Way Forward
At the conclusion of their sixth annual meeting, the dairy representatives from the United States and Mexico offered a joint statement that set a fresh course for milk production within North America. The outlined partnership aims to invigorate the dairy sectors of both nations through a multi-pronged approach. This mutual commitment signals a new era of shared ambition and concerted action for the dairy industries of both nations.
Firstly, the partnership seeks to bolster trade relations, acknowledging the essential economic interplay between the two countries. Trade stability is a primary focus, with a clear determination to improve, preserve, and facilitate trade of dairy goods across borders.
Next, the statement emphasized the importance of continuing this platform as a meeting point for dialogue. By doing so, representatives can collectively address pressing issues and explore potential synergies in the milk and dairy sectors of Mexico and the United States.
In line with fostering a healthy, thriving dairy industry, boosting dairy consumption is highlighted as a key objective. By creating conditions that propel demand, benefits are expected to trickle down to producers, manufacturers, and consumers in both nations. The promotion of activities that stimulate regional dairy product consumption is also part of the agenda.
Moreover, high on the priority list is identifying and amplifying actions that can enhance the productivity of dairy farms. Not only would this lead to higher output, but it would also contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the industry as a whole.
This statement underscores the power of international cooperation. The shared commitment to strengthen bonds and tackle common challenges is evident and prompts a future driven by mutual growth and understanding. Further meetings will continue to shape the pathway for the dairy industries in both nations, guiding them towards a future of shared prosperity and sustainable success.
