For National Dairy Month, the U.S. Dairy Export Council is answering the questions our farmer-funders frequently ask. This is FAQ No. 3 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 3: How did the U.S. Dairy Export Council start? 

The U.S. dairy industry saw and seized an opportunity.

The 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) opened up trade to Mexico and Canada, while the finalization of the Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and establishment of the World Trade Organization that same year spoke to even broader potential.

This video takes you back to 1995, the year DMI birthed USDEC.

The vision: If U.S. milk producers, dairy processors and others in the industry could work hand-in-hand to increase the value and volume of U.S. dairy exports, all boats would rise.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council was born in 1995. Under the governance of Dairy Management Inc., with funding from the dairy checkoff and guidance from its member companies, USDEC has accomplished what its founders envisioned, clearing new paths to global markets.

USDEC was and still is the only dairy organization that brings together milk producers, dairy processors, co-ops, ingredient suppliers and export traders under one roof.

Learn more:

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

• 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'

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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.