By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

COLUMBUS, Ohio — They wanted a program designed to bolster consumer trust in the U.S. dairy industry, that would demonstrate a commitment to a high degree of animal quality assurance. What the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI) came up with was the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management.

“Increasingly, consumers want to purchase products from sources they can trust to do the right thing,” said Jerry Kozak, president and CEO of NMPF. “The National Dairy FARM program was established to enhance the trust our industry has with consumers and demonstrate the commitment producers have to animal care and the production of wholesome products.”

According to the Midwest Dairy Assoc. (MDA), research consistently shows that consumers want to know more about milk quality and on-farm practices. MDA surveys also indicate dairy farmers have an excellent reputation, finding the majority of Americans believe farmers contribute to society as much as firefighters or teachers. But some experts in the dairy industry feel more can be done to enhance the producer’s image.

“Consumers want to know that dairy products are safe, wholesome and nutritious, and that animals receive the highest level of care,” said Tom Gallahgher, CEO of DMI. “A national program such as this will create a strong platform on which we can further build consumer confidence.”

Consumer confidence and levels of animal care and quality assurance in the dairy industry is quite high. In fact, four of 10 consumers surveyed said dairy farming is the backbone of the American way of life.

Now those at NMPF and DMI want to bolster that confidence further with this newly formed program. Spearheading this effort is a panel of dairy experts and industry professionals who will guide the direction of the FARM program as it develops.

According to Kozak, the first step will be to introduce a national on-farm animal well-being program and make it available to all producers. The Dairy FARM program will be consistent with the principles and guidelines of the National Dairy Animal Well-Being Initiative (NDAWI).

“With food awareness at an all-time high, farmers are often interested in programs that verify safe, ethical production methods,” Frey said. “Farmers are very aware of the consuming public’s interest in this at a new level.”

NMPF and DMI are revising their Caring for Dairy Animals manual and incorporating the principles and guidelines into the new program. Caring for Dairy Animals includes best management practices for a variety of animal care issues and will be updated to reflect current animal health practices. Gallagher said this new program is sure to bolster consumer confidence.

The long-term plan of this newly formed program will be announced later in 2009. Co-ops and processors may choose to participate if they wish. NMPF and DMI will work with co-ops, processors and state and regional dairy producer organizations to implement it.