For National Dairy Month, the U.S. Dairy Export Council is answering questions our farmer-funders frequently ask. This is FAQ No. 2 in a 10-part series. 

Editor's note: We are now offering all 10 FAQs and USDEC's answers bundled in a single, easy-to-read document featuring data, examples and analysis. Click the red button below, fill out a simple form and you'll get the report in an instant.

FAQ 2: What does the U.S. Dairy Export Council do? 

Let us first make it clear what USDEC doesn't do.

USDEC does not and cannot export dairy products. As a nonprofit, independent membership organization we can and do represent the global trade interests of the entire U.S. dairy industry. We are dairy's experts on exports. Our main website is usdec.org.

Primarily funded by farmers through the dairy checkoff, USDEC’s mission is to promote dairy exports, enriching the well-being of people, communities and the planet. Dairy Management Inc., based in Rosemont, Illinois, founded USDEC, which has its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.

With extensive expertise in trade policy, market access, regulatory affairs, dairy ingredients and cheese, the USDEC staff works to help farmers and USDEC members increase dairy exports.

In a clip below from a video interview with DMI's Scott Wallin, USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden explains her passion. If USDEC succeeds, millions of people around the world will consume more U.S. dairy products and ingredients made with U.S. milk from U.S. dairy farms. This economic expansion will benefit American farm families and the rural communities where they live. 

Watch the entire six-minute DMI video of Harden explaining USDEC's vision here.

To increase demand in markets you have to be in those markets. 

That's why USDEC has eight global offices with "boots on the ground” providing eyes, ears, relationships and insights that benefit U.S. dairy farmers and the entire industry.

What else does USDEC do? Among other things:

• Engage with food and beverage manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and food and dairy organizations worldwide.
• Tell the story of U.S. dairy, about nutritious, high-quality products, cutting-edge technology, innovation, commitment to serving world markets, supply consistency and world-leading sustainability.
• Connect our members with buyers and help them navigate the rules and regulations required to access high-potential markets.
• Work with the U.S. government to advance trade policy that facilitates dairy trade.

The video below from our 25th Anniversary celebration last year tells the history of how USDEC has united farmers, processors, co-ops, ingredient suppliers and export traders under the umbrella of a common cause that benefits the entire dairy industry.

Note: 2020's record-breaking year for exports is not reflected in this video because year-end data was not available when the video was produced.

Learn more:

• FAQ 1: How do U.S. dairy exports benefit farmers?

• U.S. dairy exports hit all-time record in March

• Podcast: Harden tells dairy farmers 'we've got to be in those markets'

Subscribe to the U.S. Dairy Exporter Blog    

The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff. How to republish this post.