PAUL BLEIBERG

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated against increasing reliance on foreign infant formula supply and for measures to further strengthen US production capacity. Advocated for continued funding for international food and nutrition assistance.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471 and H.R. 3372 in 118th Congress). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 2104) to provide statutory clarity and enhanced oversight of the Surface Transportation Board to correct the rail transportation challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Supported the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (H.R. 8467). Supported efforts to update the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation to make it more reflective of current on-farm milk production. This fix was included in the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 as well as in both of the Senate Democratic and Republican farm bill frameworks. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's final WIC foods package rule which will reduce dairy in WIC ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published April 18, 2024). NMPF supports the bipartisan Protecting Mothers and Infants' Access to Milk Act (H.R. 8850) to undo this reduction long-term. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474, H.R. 5099) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans rely on sound science. Opposed efforts to limit food choice under SNAP. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs. Supported the Agriculture Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 9889) to provide agricultural disaster assistance to producers impacted by 2023 natural disasters.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Dairy Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (S. 549 & H.R. 1462) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk. Natural Cheese - Supported the CURD Act (H.R. 1803, S. 981) to codify a definition for natural cheese.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk. H5N1 - Supported the development of safe and effective H5N1 vaccinations for dairy cows to help mitigate the circulation of H5N1 in dairy herds. Also supported legislative efforts to provide additional funding to support on-farm biosecurity initiatives.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislative efforts to ensure that dairy farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers, including the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 4319). NMPF also advocates for ensuring there are ag labor reforms either before or in conjunction with any other immigration reforms that may target farming operations as places of employment.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471) and H.R. 3372. Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (H.R. 1836).

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. NMPF has also supports efforts to maintain and improve the Section 48 investment tax credit for methane digesters by also making eligible those technologies that remove nutrient particles from manure. NMPF also supports implementation of the Hydrogen 45V tax credit in a manner that allows renewable natural gas to be used as a hydrogen feedstock. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported continuation of the Section 199A tax deduction for agricultural cooperatives. Supported passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024).

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (H.R. 1836). Supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 2071) to provide statutory clarity and enhanced oversight of the Surface Transportation Board to correct the rail transportation challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2025 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported Future of Agricultural Resiliency & Modernization (FARM) Act (H.R. 3814) and Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act (H.R. 4327). Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Feed additives - supported the Innovative FEED Act (S. 1842, H.R. 6687) to codify a regulatory pathway for reviewing animal feed ingredients that can reduce enteric methane emissions. Supported the EMIT LESS Act (S. 4056, H.R. 8676) to better target conservation programs toward feed management. Rendering - supported efforts to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to revise its recent ranking of waste management technologies (Wasted Food Scale) to re-include rendering and acknowledge the important role rendering plays in the recycling of agricultural and commercial organic wastes in the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and the Wasted Food Scale.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2024 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for bill language in Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bills (H.R. 4368, S. 2131, H.R. 4366)- to continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs for all grade levels, to provide more considered added sugar levels and sodium levels in school meal programs to ensure schools can continue to have the freedom to serve dairy foods as works for them, and to maintain amounts of dairy allotment in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2024 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported Future of Agricultural Resiliency & Modernization (FARM) Act (H.R.3814) and Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act (H.R. 4327). Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Feed additives - supported the Innovative FEED Act (S. 1842, H.R. 6687) to codify a regulatory pathway for reviewing animal feed ingredients that can reduce enteric methane emissions. Supported the EMIT LESS Act (S. 4056, H.R. 8676) to better target conservation programs toward feed management.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Dairy Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (S. 549 & H.R. 1462) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471) and H.R. 3372. Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (H.R. 1836).

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislative efforts to ensure that dairy farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers, including the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 4319). NMPF also advocates for ensuring there are ag labor reforms either before or in conjunction with any other immigration reforms that may target farming operations as places of employment.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Advocated on trade negotiations including IPEF and US-Taiwan talks Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated against increasing reliance on foreign infant formula supply and for measures to further strengthen US production capacity.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (H.R. 1836). Supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 2071) to provide statutory clarity and enhanced oversight of the Surface Transportation Board to correct the rail transportation challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2024 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for bill language in Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bills (H.R. 4368, S. 2131, H.R. 4366)- to continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs for all grade levels, to provide more considered added sugar levels and sodium levels in school meal programs to ensure schools can continue to have the freedom to serve dairy foods as works for them, and to maintain amounts of dairy allotment in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (H.R. 1836). Supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 2071) to provide statutory clarity and enhanced oversight of the Surface Transportation Board to correct the rail transportation challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Supported tweaks to the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation. Supported incorporating the Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage program into the underlying Dairy Margin Coverage program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131, H.R. 4366) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's proposed rule which will reduce dairy in WIC if retained in the final rule ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474, H.R. 5099) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated for reallocating funds from the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program to the Dairy Donation Program, given the Dairy Donation Program was more widely used and supports the donation of a wider variety of dairy foods. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislative efforts to ensure that dairy farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers, including the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 4319). NMPF also advocates for ensuring there are ag labor reforms either before or in conjunction with any other immigration reforms that may target farming operations as places of employment.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Dairy Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (S. 549 & H.R. 1462) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471) and H.R. 3372. Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act (H.R. 1836).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2024 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported Future of Agricultural Resiliency & Modernization (FARM) Act (H.R.3814) and Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act (H.R. 4327). Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Feed additives - supported the Innovative FEED Act (S. 1842, H.R. 6687) to codify a regulatory pathway for reviewing animal feed ingredients that can reduce enteric methane emissions. Supported the EMIT LESS Act (S. 4056) to better target conservation programs toward feed management.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471) and H.R. 3372. Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. NMPF has also supports efforts to create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2024 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported Future of Agricultural Resiliency & Modernization (FARM) Act (H.R.3814) and Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act (H.R. 4327). Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Feed additives - supported the Innovative FEED Act (S. 1842, H.R. 6687) to codify a regulatory pathway for reviewing animal feed ingredients that can reduce enteric methane emissions.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Advocated on trade negotiations including IPEF and US-Taiwan talks Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated against increasing reliance on foreign infant formula supply and for measures to further strengthen US production capacity.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2024 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for bill language in Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bills (H.R. 4368, S. 2131)- to continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs for all grade levels, to provide more considered added sugar levels and sodium levels in school meal programs to ensure schools can continue to have the freedom to serve dairy foods as works for them, and to maintain amounts of dairy allotment in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Supported tweaks to the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation. Supported incorporating the Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage program into the underlying Dairy Margin Coverage program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing the requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's proposed rule which will reduce dairy in WIC if retained in the final rule ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Advocated for reallocating funds from the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program to the Dairy Donation Program, given the Dairy Donation Program was more widely used and supports the donation of a wider variety of dairy foods. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislative efforts to ensure that dairy farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers, including the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 4319). NMPF also advocates for ensuring there are ag labor reforms either before or in conjunction with any other immigration reforms that may target farming operations as places of employment.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. NMPF has also supports efforts to create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Advocated on trade negotiations including IPEF and US-Taiwan talks Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated against increasing reliance on foreign infant formula supply and for measures to further strengthen US production capacity.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislative efforts to ensure that dairy farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers, including the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 4319). NMPF also advocates for ensuring there are ag labor reforms either before or in conjunction with any other immigration reforms that may target farming operations as places of employment.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471) and H.R. 3372. Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Supported tweaks to the Dairy Margin Coverage program's production history calculation. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to protect and increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including: *Making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and preventing sodium limitations from inadvertently leading to the reduction/removal of cheese from school breakfast and lunch programs. These efforts on school meal standards include advocating for language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) to protect 1% flavored milk and cheese in school meal programs. NMPF also advocated for a final FNS rule (for school years 2024-2025 and beyond) that will continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12 and weight natural occurring sodium and sodium used for functional and food safety purposes when imposing sodium limitations less than sodium used for taste purposes only, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to raise concerns that provisions in FNS's proposed rule ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023) that would likely reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. *Expanding the varieties of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147, S. 1957). *Continuing requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. *Maintaining/increasing the amount of dairy WIC participants can access through the WIC program, including meeting with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over provisions in FNS's proposed rule which will reduce dairy in WIC if retained in the final rule ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022). NMPF also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 4368, S. 2131) language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program. NMPF also supports the bipartisan GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 5383) -- which would allow fluid milk options for many WIC participants to also include 2% and whole milk, expanding beyond the current options of 1% and skim only -- and the WIC for Kids Act (H.R. 5757) -- which would make it easier for those eligible for WIC to enroll by eliminating or reducing enrollment barriers and easing rigid enrollment requirements. *Increasing access to universal school meals/make it easier for schools to meet requirements to qualify for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act (S. 1474) and advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions. Supported efforts to enact legislation to require USDA to conduct mandatory plant cost studies. Supported efforts to revert back to the previous "higher of" Class I mover. Supported the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives grant program, including efforts to expand the program with the Dairy Business Innovation Act (S. 2267, H.R. 4894). Oppose efforts to limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs, including opposing the OFF Act (S. 557, H.R. 1249) and opposing amendments to appropriations measures that would limit, alter, or further regulate commodity checkoff programs.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2024 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for bill language in Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bills (H.R. 4368, S. 2131)- to continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs for all grade levels, to provide more considered added sugar levels and sodium levels in school meal programs to ensure schools can continue to have the freedom to serve dairy foods as works for them, and to maintain amounts of dairy allotment in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 2071) to provide statutory clarity and enhanced oversight of the Surface Transportation Board to correct the rail transportation challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Dairy Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (S. 549 & H.R. 1462) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (S. 549 & H.R. 1462) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports. Supported the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 2071) to provide statutory clarity and enhanced oversight of the Surface Transportation Board to correct the rail transportation challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2024 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for bill language in Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bills (H.R. 4368, S. 2131)- to continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs for all grade levels, to provide more considered added sugar levels and sodium levels in school meal programs to ensure schools can continue to have the freedom to serve dairy foods as works for them, and to maintain amounts of dairy allotment in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2024 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported Future of Agricultural Resiliency & Modernization (FARM) Act (H.R.3814) and Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act (H.R. 4327). Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Feed additives - supported the Innovative Feed Act (S. 1842) to codify a regulatory pathway for reviewing animal feed ingredients that can reduce enteric methane emissions.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471) and H.R. 3372. Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. NMPF has also supports efforts to create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Advocated on trade negotiations including IPEF and US-Taiwan talks Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated against increasing reliance on foreign infant formula supply and for measures to further strengthen US production capacity.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislative efforts to ensure that dairy farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF also advocates for ensuring there are ag labor reforms either before or in conjunction with any other immigration reforms that may target farming operations as places of employment.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs. This includes making permanent 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs for grades K-12, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill and the forthcoming FNS final rule on school meal standards for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. NMPF also supports efforts to expand the varities of milk allowed in school meal programs, including the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1147). NMPF also advocates for the continued requirement that dairy alternatives provided in nutrition programs be nutritionally equivalent. Met with congressional offices and USDA staff to voice concern over two FNS rules which will reduce dairy in WIC ("Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Revisions in the WIC Food Packages" published November 21,2022) and which could reduce the ability of schools to continue to serve dairy in school meal programs ("Child Nutrition Programs: Revisions to Meal Patterns Consistent With the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" published February 7, 2023). Also worked to include in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill language provisions that would maintain the amount of dairy provided in the WIC program and would address concerns with changes to the school meal programs requirements that would make it difficult for schools to continue to serve dairy food as they currently do due to added sugar limits, sodium limits, and the potential prohibition of flavored milk in lower grade levels. Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also advocated for keeping nutrition in the next Farm Bill. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster. NMPF provides ongoing support for the WHIP-Milk Loss program and making dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. NMPF also supports similar efforts to extend government funding for disaster recovery as well as explore new ways to provide disaster aid to dairy farmers, including for farmers experiencing flood conditions.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from truck weight limitations and hours of service rules, including the SHIP IT Act (H.R. 471). Supported implementation of the DRIVE Safe Act to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported implementation of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Support efforts to expand flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. NMPF has also supports efforts to create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (S. 549 & H.R. 1462) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2024 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for bill language to continue the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs for all grade levels, to provide more considered added sugar levels and sodium levels in school meal programs to ensure schools can continue to have the freedom to serve dairy foods as works for them, and to maintain amounts of dairy allotment in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Also seeking language in the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill to require USDA to make pandemic assistance payments to producers in states whose milk is not pooled on a federal order.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2024 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 1712, S. 617). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, including the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 3939, S. 2461) which was incorporated into the Clean Energy for America Act (S. 2118) and the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376). Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department. Supported efforts to prevent the elimination of stepped-up basis and delay until sale taxation for capital gains on inherited assets.

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2023 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs and supportive of language which continues the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs and maintains amounts for dairy options in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Supported related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 8239), which passed the House as part of H.R. 8294. In budget reconciliation process, advocated against changes being made to the timing or assessment basis for taxing capital gains on inherited assets (a.k.a. opposed changes to the "stepped-up basis"). Also supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including those included in the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including in the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376). Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251) and SUSTAINS Act (H.R. 2606).

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Advocated on trade negotiations including IPEF and US-Taiwan talks Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated on emergency action steps to address the infant formula shortage, including the government's consideration of flexibility on regulatory requirements and consideration of tariff relief

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571), the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603), and the Affordable and Secure Food Act (S.5282).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act (H.R. 8649) and the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 4959) to address delays in shipping freight.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including the HAULS Act (H.R. 2486, S. 792). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745, S. 659) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) to reauthorize highway programs. Supported the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (H.R. 4996, S. 3580) to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

Supported the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market Act (H.R. 8649) and the Reliable Rail Service Act (S. 4959) to address delays in shipping freight.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including in the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376). Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Advocated on trade negotiations including IPEF and US-Taiwan talks Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated on emergency action steps to address the infant formula shortage, including the government's consideration of flexibility on regulatory requirements and consideration of tariff relief

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 1712, S. 617). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, including the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 3939, S. 2461) which was incorporated into the Clean Energy for America Act (S. 2118) and the Inflation Reduction Act (H.R. 5376). Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department. Supported efforts to prevent the elimination of stepped-up basis and delay until sale taxation for capital gains on inherited assets.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs. This includes reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861), the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4635), the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 8450), and the forthcoming FNS rule on school meal standards for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Also worked to include nutritional equivalency requirement for milk alternatives in school meal programs in the Healthy Meals, Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 8450). Additional Nutrition Policy Areas - Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 818) to increase milk consumption under the WIC program. Urged White House to prioritize increasing food access and protecting choice at its White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. Supported the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369), which increases funding for and streamlines broadband development programs, including bringing programs together under the single roof of USDA. Supported the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act (H.R. 4374). Supported the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act (H.R. 267) as passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Measure reauthorizes the WHIP-Milk Loss program and makes dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. Supported similar provisions of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305).

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including the HAULS Act (H.R. 2486, S. 792). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745, S. 659) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) to reauthorize highway programs. Supported the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (H.R. 4996, S. 3580) to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603).

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets Advocated on emergency action steps to address the infant formula shortage, including the government's consideration of flexibility on regulatory requirements and consideration of tariff relief

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs. This includes reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861), the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4635), and the forthcoming FNS rule on school meal standards for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 818) to increase milk consumption under the WIC program. Urged White House to prioritize increasing food access and protecting choice at its White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. Supported the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369), which increases funding for and streamlines broadband development programs, including bringing programs together under the single roof of USDA. Supported the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act (H.R. 4374). Supported the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act (H.R. 267) as passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Measure reauthorizes the WHIP-Milk Loss program and makes dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. Supported similar provisions of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305).

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including the HAULS Act (H.R. 2486, S. 792). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745, S. 659) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) to reauthorize highway programs. Supported the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (H.R. 4996, S. 3580) to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 1712, S. 617). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, including the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 3939, S. 2461) which was incorporated into the Clean Energy for America Act (S. 2118). Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department. Supported efforts to prevent the elimination of stepped-up basis and delay until sale taxation for capital gains on inhereted assets.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including the HAULS Act (H.R. 2486, S. 792). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745, S. 659) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) to reauthorize highway programs. Supported the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (H.R. 4996, S. 3580) to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for dairy products, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and urging that FDA guidance require product labeling to follow existing dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2023 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs and supportive of language which continues the allowance of 1% flavored milk in school feeding programs and maintains amounts for dairy options in WIC food allowance packages. Advocated for plus up funds for the COVID relief PMVAP program to be used to address the gap in reimbursement for farmers affected by the program's 5 million pound cap. Supported related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2023 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 8239). In budget reconciliation process, advocated against changes being made to the timing or assessment basis for taxing capital gains on inherited assets (a.k.a. opposed changes to the "stepped-up basis"). Also supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including those included in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376).

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs. This includes reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861), the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4635), and the forthcoming FNS rule on school meal standards for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 818) to increase milk consumption under the WIC program. Urged White House to prioritize increasing food access and protecting choice at its White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. Supported the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369), which increases funding for and streamlines broadband development programs, including bringing programs together under the single roof of USDA. Supported the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act (H.R. 4374). Supported the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act (H.R. 267) as passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Measure reauthorizes the WHIP-Milk Loss program and makes dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. Supported similar provisions of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305).

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate supply chain congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603).

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599) urging FDA to enforce standards of identity for dairy products. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs. This includes reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861), the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4635), and the forthcoming FNS rule on school meal standards for the 2024-25 school year and beyond. Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 818) to increase milk consumption under the WIC program. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. Supported the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369), which increases funding for and streamlines broadband development programs, including bringing programs together under the single roof of USDA. Supported the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act (H.R. 4374). Supported the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act (H.R. 267) as passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Measure reauthorizes the WHIP-Milk Loss program and makes dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. Supported similar provisions of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305).

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs and supportive of language which urges FDA to enforce standards of identity for dairy products, with related funding. Supported related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599, H.R. 2471). In the Senate's Fiscal Year 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill, advocated for the continued inclusion of language to limit OSHA enforcement on farms with fewer than ten employees and continued inclusion of language that prohibits federal funds from being available to agricultural labor unions. In budget reconciliation process, advocated against changes being made to the timing or assessment basis for taxing capital gains on inherited assets (a.k.a. opposed changes to the "stepped-up basis"). Also supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including those included in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376).

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate ports congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599) urging FDA to enforce standards of identity for dairy products. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 1712, S. 617). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, including the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 3939, S. 2461) which was incorporated into the Clean Energy for America Act (S. 2118). Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department. Supported efforts to prevent the elimination of stepped-up basis and delay until sale taxation for capital gains on inhereted assets.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs. This includes reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861), and the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4635). Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported the GIVE MILK Act (H.R. 818) to increase milk consumption under the WIC program. Supported legislative and administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. Supported the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369), which increases funding for and streamlines broadband development programs, including bringing programs together under the single roof of USDA. Supported the Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act (H.R. 4374). Supported the 2020 WHIP+ Reauthorization Act (H.R. 267) as passed by the House Agriculture Committee. Measure reauthorizes the WHIP-Milk Loss program and makes dairy cooperatives eligible to make payments to producers. Supported similar provisions of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305).

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on the need to pursue new trade agreements and enforce existing ones Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate ports congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports through regulations/policies in foreign markets

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation, including in the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603).

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs, as well as accompanying funding. In budget reconciliation process, supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation. Also supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including the HAULS Act (H.R. 2486, S. 792). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745, S. 659) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries. Supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) to reauthorize highway programs. Supported the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (H.R. 4996) to reduce congestion and disruption at ports.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603).

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 1712, S. 617). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, including the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 3939, S. 2461) which was incorporated into the Clean Energy for America Act (S. 2118). Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department. Supported efforts to prevent the elimination of stepped-up basis and delay until sale taxation for capital gains on inhereted assets.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA implementation and trade treaties with other countries including the UK, Kenya, China, Southeast Asia Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate ports congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports including regulations/policies in the EU and in Latin American and Asian markets

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs and supportive of language which urges FDA to enforce standards of identity for dairy products, with related funding. Supported related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599). In the Senate's Fiscal Yeat 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies bill, advocated for the continued inclusion of language to limit OSHA enforcement on farms with fewer than ten employees and continued inclusion of language that prohibits federal funds from being available to agricultural labor unions. In budget reconciliation process, advocated against changes being made to the timing or assessment basis for taxing capital gains on inhereted assets (a.k.a. opposed changes to the "stepped-up basis"). Also supported the inclusion of climate smart ag provisions in budget reconciliation.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346) and provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356, S. 2599) urging FDA to enforce standards of identity for dairy products. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs. Supported related provisions in the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356).

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk, including supporting the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 2828 & S. 1346). Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs, including as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act (H.R. 4356) and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861). Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for uncompensated COVID-19-related losses. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. Supported the Broadband for Rural America Act (H.R. 3369), which increases funding for and streamlines broadband development programs, including bringing programs together under the single roof of USDA.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2022 appropriations process. Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees and member offices on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs. Supported Growing Climate Solutions Act (H.R. 2820 & S. 1251).

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA implementation and trade treaties with other countries including the UK, Kenya, China, Southeast Asia Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Advocated for legislative and administration solutions to alleviate ports congestion hindering U.S. dairy exports Advocated on various bilateral trade issues impacting US dairy exports including regulations/policies in the EU and in Latin American and Asian markets

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including the HAULS Act (H.R. 2486, S. 792). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE Safe Act (H.R. 1745, S. 659) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported the REAP Improvement Act (H.R.4162), a bill aimed at expanding flexibilities in and access to USDA's Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) while providing additional investments to help more farmers take advantage of the program. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the COVID-19 specific Economic Injury Disaster Loans. This includes supporting the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246) as well as efforts to help ensure farmers are not effectually prevented from qualifying for a PPP Second Draw Loan due to other COVID response programs affecting their revenue reduction eligibility figure.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy H-2A Eligibility Act (H.R. 1571) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603).

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 1712, S. 617). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2022 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for report language to direct that certain feed additives be classified as foods rather than drugs.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA implementation and trade treaties with other countries including the UK, Kenya, China, Southeast Asia Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported efforts to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act efforts to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports efforts to increase kids' access to dairy through nutrition programs, including reinstating 1% flavored milk in school breakfast and lunch programs and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 1861). Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. COVID-19 - Supported the continued implementation of agricultural provisions of the 2020 COVID relief packages [CARES Act (H.R. 748), Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020] as well as the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Paycheck Protection Clarification for Producers Act (H.R. 1246). -Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 1240, S. 359) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed efforts facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 5259, H.R. 218, S. 215). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, namely the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2019 (H.R. 3744, S. 2542). Provisions of this bill have been incorporated into the GREEN Act draft measure. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including supporting the Responsible and Efficient Agriculture Destination Act (H.R. 4919) as well as related administrative actions. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R. 1374, S. 569) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 7610, as incorporated into H.R. 133 as signed into law on December 27, 2020) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy product standards of identity as well as an amendment to provide funding for this work. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410). Natural Cheese -- supported the CURD Act (H.R. 4487, S. 1669) to create a definition for natural cheese.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2021 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 7610, consolidated into H.R. 133 as signed into law on December 27, 2020) to allow schools to continue to serve 1% flavored milk in school meal programs. Supported report language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 7610, consolidated into H.R. 133 as signed into law on December 27, 2020) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy product standards of identity as well as an amendment to provide funding for this work. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and to encourage FDA to enforce standards of identity for the use of dairy terms. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to allow producers working in year round agricultural industries to use the H2A agricultural worker visa program for FY 2021.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade and supported robust US tools to combat misuse of IP regulations in ways that restrict generic terms Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA implementation and trade treaties with other countries including the UK, Kenya, China, Southeast Asia Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Worked on WTO Airbus case retaliation and EU Boeing retaliation

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2021 appropriations process. Supported the Farmer-Driven Conservation Outcomes Act (H.R. 6182, S. 3429), the Growing Climate Solutions Act (S. 3894, H.R. 7393), and the Future of Agricultural Resiliency and Modernization (H.R. 7482). Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. H.R. 6395) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3931) to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 3125), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832), and the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2019 (H.R. 5283 and S. 2692). Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 3183) and the Cover Crop Flexibility Act (S. 3479) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. COVID-19 - Supported agricultural provisions of the CARES Act (H.R. 748), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800), and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133) as signed into law on December 27, 2020 to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported dairy provisions of the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (H.R. 6379). Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported bills including the Food Supply Protection Act (S. 3840), the Farming Support to States Act (S. 3785, H.R. 6956), the Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act (H.R. 6757), and the MILK Act (H.R. 6834) to help farmers and their supply chain partners weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Helping Americas Farmers Act (H.R. 8042). Supported efforts to ensure that USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services fairly consider recent scientific studies that show health benefits of dairy products at all fat levels as they finalize the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans following completion of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program as enacted in the CARES Act (H.R. 748), including supporting the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act (S. 3918, H.R. 7175).

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 5259, H.R. 218, S. 215). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, namely the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2019 (H.R. 3744, S. 2542). Provisions of this bill have been incorporated into the GREEN Act draft measure. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410).

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 3125), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832), and the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2019 (H.R. 5283 and S. 2692). Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 3183) and the Cover Crop Flexibility Act (S. 3479) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. COVID-19 - Supported agricultural provisions of the CARES Act (H.R. 748), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), and the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported dairy provisions of the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (H.R. 6379). Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported bills including the Food Supply Protection Act (S. 3840), the Farming Support to States Act (S. 3785, H.R. 6956), the Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act (H.R. 6757), and the MILK Act (H.R. 6834) to help farmers and their supply chain partners weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs as well as USDA's flexibility in implementing these programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported efforts to ensure agricultural producers have access to the capital required to continue operating during and recover from a disaster, including the Helping Americas Farmers Act (H.R. 8042). Supported efforts to ensure that USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services fairly consider recent scientific studies that show health benefits of dairy products at all fat levels as they finalize the 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans following completion of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee report.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2021 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 7610) to allow schools to continue to serve 1% flavored milk in school meal programs. Supported report language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 7610) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy product standards of identity as well as an amendment to provide funding for this work. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and to encourage FDA to enforce standards of identity for the use of dairy terms. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to allow producers working in year round agricultural industries to use the H2A agricultural worker visa program for FY 2021.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including supporting the Responsible and Efficient Agriculture Destination Act (H.R. 4919) as well as related administrative actions. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R. 1374, S. 569) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3931) to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill (H.R. 7610) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy product standards of identity as well as an amendment to provide funding for this work. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410). Natural Cheese -- supported the CURD Act (H.R. 4487, S. 1669) to create a definition for natural cheese.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410).

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2021 appropriations process. Supported the Farmer-Driven Conservation Outcomes Act (H.R. 6182, S. 3429), the Growing Climate Solutions Act (S. 3894, H.R. 7393), and the Future of Agricultural Resiliency and Modernization (H.R. 7482). Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. H.R. 6395) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations. Climate change - provided feedback to House and Senate committees on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program as enacted in the CARES Act (H.R. 748), including supporting the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act (S. 3918, H.R. 7175).

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 3125), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832), and the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2019 (H.R. 5283 and S. 2692). Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 3183) and the Cover Crop Flexibility Act (S. 3479) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions. COVID-19 - Supported agricultural provisions of the CARES Act (H.R. 748), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), and the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) to provide relief to farmers and families from the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported dairy provisions of the Take Responsibility for Workers and Families Act (H.R. 6379). Also supported related administrative actions, including Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, product purchases, milk disposal compensation, and milk donation assistance. Supported bills including the Food Supply Protection Act (S. 3840), the Farming Support to States Act (S. 3785, H.R. 6956), the Farm to Food Bank Enhancement Act (H.R. 6757), and the MILK Act (H.R. 6834) to help farmers and their supply chain partners weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Supported efforts to increase funding for SNAP, WIC, and other nutrition programs to support food insecure households during the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA and trade treaties with the EU, Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Kenya, China Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Promoted streamlined approaches to US efforts to resolve dairy export barriers Worked on U.S. TRQ-related issues Worked on WTO Airbus case retaliation

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 5259, H.R. 218, S. 215). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, namely the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2019 (H.R. 3744, S. 2542). Provisions of this bill have been incorporated into the GREEN Act draft measure. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2021 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, broadband, and food aid. Advocated for language in the Fiscal Year 2021 Agriculture appropriations bill (H.R. 7610) to allow schools to continue to serve 1% flavored milk in school meal programs. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and to encourage FDA to enforce standards of identity for the use of dairy terms.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3931) to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055, H.R. 1865) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410). Natural Cheese -- supported the CURD Act (H.R. 4487, S. 1669) to create a definition for natural cheese.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3931) to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).

Supported efforts to provide farmers and cooperatives access to the Paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program as enacted in the CARES Act (H.R. 748).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including supporting the Responsible and Efficient Agriculture Destination Act (H.R. 4919) as well as related administrative actions. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R. 1374, S. 569) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2021 appropriations process. Supported the Farmer-Driven Conservation Outcomes Act (H.R. 6182, S. 3429). Supported administrative actions to provide greater opportunity for dairy farmers to access EQIP and CSP. Supported language in the FY 2021 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (H.R. 2500, S. 1790) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations. Climate change - provided feedback to House committees on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410).

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 5259, H.R. 218, S. 215). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, namely the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2019 (H.R. 3744, S. 2542). Provisions of this bill have been incorporated into the GREEN Act draft measure. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting. Supported efforts to ensure that cooperatives could count non-patronage income in the calculation of the 199A deduction as implemented by the Treasury Department.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed misuse of Geographical Indications by European Union to impede trade Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA and trade treaties with the EU, Japan, the UK, New Zealand, Kenya, China Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Promoted streamlined approaches to US efforts to resolve dairy export barriers Worked on U.S. TRQ-related issues Worked on WTO Airbus case retaliation

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055, H.R. 1865). Supported language in the FY 2020 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (H.R. 2500, S. 1790) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations. Climate change - provided feedback to House committees on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes (H.R. 5259, H.R. 218, S. 215). NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, namely the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2019 (H.R. 3744, S. 2542). Provisions of this bill have been incorporated into the GREEN Act draft measure. Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2020 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, and food aid as well as report language relating to FDA enforcement of dairy standards of identity included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055, H.R. 1865). Supported language in the FY 2020 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 3125), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832), and the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2019 (H.R. 5283 and S. 2692). Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 3183) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055, H.R. 1865) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410). Natural Cheese -- supported the CURD Act (H.R. 4487, S. 1669) to create a definition for natural cheese.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3931) to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410).

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of child nutrition legislation and programs for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 3125), the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832), and the School Modernization and Efficient Access to Lunches for Students Act of 2019 (H.R. 5283 and S. 2692). Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 3183) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055, H.R. 1865) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410). Natural Cheese -- supported the CURD Act (H.R. 4487, S. 1669) to create a definition for natural cheese.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3931) to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 5038).

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA and new trade treaties with the EU, Japan, the UK, and New Zealand. Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential Promoted streamlined approaches to US efforts to resolve dairy export barriers

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules, including supporting the Responsible and Efficient Agriculture Destination Act (H.R. 4919). Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R. 1374, S. 569) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 5410).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055, H.R. 1865). Supported language in the FY 2020 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (H.R. 2500, S. 1790) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations. Climate change - provided feedback to House committees on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 3125) and the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832). Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation. Supported the Farmer Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 2336, S. 897) to expand the debt cap that farmers can cover under Chapter 12 bankruptcy. Supported the Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (H.R. 3183) to provide farmers with additional flexibility relating to prevented planting requirements due to shortages in feed, as well as related administrative actions.

Advocated for Fiscal Year 2020 funding of 2018 Farm Bill programs, including the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, the Dairy Business Innovation program, conservation programs, and food aid as well as report language relating to FDA enforcement of dairy standards of identity included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055). Supported language in the FY 2020 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), and an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program. NMPF has also been part of ongoing conversations with House offices and stakeholders to craft an ag labor bill.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055). Supported language in the FY 2020 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (H.R. 2500, S. 1790) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations. Climate change - provided feedback to House committees on potential climate change legislation and its impacts on the dairy sector.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. NMPF has also supported legislation that will create and improve tax credits for investment in technology that turns organic matter into biogas energy and removes nutrient particles from manure, namely the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2019 (H.R. 3744, S. 2542). Supported efforts to ensure that farmers can continue to use cash accounting.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk. Natural Cheese -- supported the CURD Act (H.R. 4487, S. 1669) to create a definition for natural cheese.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Supported report language in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055) to urge FDA to complete its work to enforce dairy standards of identity. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA and new trade treaties with the EU, Japan and the UK Advocated on multilateral organization issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation, current and potential

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R. 1374, S. 569) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agricultural workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workforce while also creating an effective mechanism to allow them to access new workers. NMPF has worked on legislation including the Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act (H.R. 1778), the Agricultural Worker Protection Act (H.R. 641, S. 175), the Helping Labor Personnel on Farms Act (H.R. 2801), and an amendment to the House Fiscal Year 2020 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill to allow year-round workers to access the H-2A program.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 3164, H.R. 3055). Supported language in the FY 2020 Appropriations process to prohibit requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. PFAS - supported provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (H.R. 2500, S. 1790) related to the provision of uncontaminated water for agricultural use on land contaminated by PFAS chemicals used on military installations.

Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel.

Supported efforts to swiftly and effectively implement the dairy provisions of the 2018 Farm Bill, including the Dairy Margin Coverage program and expanded access to the Livestock Gross Margin program. Child Nutrition - NMPF is monitoring and educating Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives, and consumers. NMPF supports the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (H.R. 832). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Supported foreign aid programs including the McGovern Dole Food Aid program. Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy, including providing relief to dairy farmers for purposes of tariff mitigation.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act. Conservation - Supported funding for farm bill conservation programs in FY 2020 appropriations process.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide, and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North America FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to finalize an effective, science-based rulemaking under the Clean Water Act.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 1769, S. 792) to require FDA to enforce the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Supported efforts to provide relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Supported the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R. 1374, S. 569) to address the ongoing driver shortage facing many industries.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including USMCA and new trade treaties with the EU, Japan and the UK Advocated on WHO and Codex issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 848) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process. Conservation -- Supported efforts in the Farm Bill to fund EQIP and make nutrient recovery systems eligible for CIG trials provision. Supported increased funding for RCPP as well as added emphasis on environmental markets. (H.R. 2, S. 3042)

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk, including opposing H.Amdt. 627 to the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Supported efforts to provide regulatory relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak, including as part of the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2, S. 3042). Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk, including opposing H.Amdt. 627 to the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2).

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs and increased funding baseline in the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2, S. 3042). Advocated for programs including in the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations measures.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure that farmers can keep their existing workers while also creating a mechanism allowing them to access new workers and has worked on legislation including the AG and Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 6417) and the related provisions of the Securing America's Future Act (H.R. 4760), as well as proposals to modify H2A to make dairy workers eligible.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies.

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 848) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process. Conservation -- Supported efforts in the Farm Bill to fund EQIP and make nutrient recovery systems eligible for CIG trials provision. Supported increased funding for RCPP as well as added emphasis on environmental markets. (H.R. 2, S. 3042)

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk, including opposing H.Amdt. 627 to the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2).

Supported efforts to provide regulatory relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs and increased funding baseline in the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2, S. 3042). Advocated for programs including in the Fiscal Year 2019 Appropriations measures.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak, including as part of the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2, S. 3042). Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk, including opposing H.Amdt. 627 to the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2).

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 848) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process. Conservation -- Supported efforts in the Farm Bill to fund EQIP and make nutrient recovery systems eligible for CIG trials provision. Supported increased funding for RCPP as well as added emphasis on environmental markets. (H.R. 2, S. 3042)

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak, including as part of the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2, S. 3042). Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk, including opposing H.Amdt. 627 to the 2018 Farm Bill (H.R. 2).

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future and has worked on legislation including the AG Act (H.R. 4092) and the related provisions of the Securing America's Future Act (H.R. 4760).

Supported reforms to Margin Protection Program for Dairy and Livestock Gross Margin program during 2018 Farm Bill deliberations (H.R. 2, S. 3042). Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF also supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4101) and the WHOLE MILK Act (H.R. 5640). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Supported foreign aid programs including the McGovern Dole Food Aid program. Supported administrative efforts to improve and modify dairy policy.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA and KORUS Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Advocated for new trade agreements Impacts on dairy industry of trading partner retaliation FDA equivalence process

Supported efforts to provide regulatory relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules. Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for increased funding baseline for 2018 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the Fiscal Year 2018 Appropriations measures. Supported multiple Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations provisions pertaining to reforming the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, enforcing the milk standard of identity, and relieving farmers from reporting requirements under CERCLA and EPCRA (H.R. 1892, H.R. 1625, H.R. 3354).

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future and has worked on legislation including the AG Act (H.R. 4092) and the related provisions of the Securing America's Future Act (H.R. 4760).

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF supports and is working to implement the school milk provisions of the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 244). NMPF also supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4101). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Supported reforms to Margin Protection Program for Dairy as well as efforts to provide dairy producers with enhanced risk management options as part of Bipartisan Budget Act (H.R. 1892). Supported administrative efforts to help dairy producers access additional risk management options, as well as report language in the 2018 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 1625). Supported foreign aid programs including the McGovern Dole Food Aid program.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Domestic Production Activities - Supported efforts to maintain Section 199 deduction for proceeds from agricultural products grown or manufactured by cooperatives.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits. Supported efforts to provide regulatory relief for dairy farmers and milk haulers from hours of service rules.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA and KORUS Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Advocated for new trade agreements

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for increased funding baseline for 2018 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Appropriations measures. Supported multiple Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations provisions pertaining to reforming the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, enforcing the milk standard of identity, and relieving farmers from reporting requirements under CERCLA and EPCRA.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA and KORUS Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba Advocated for new trade agreements

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Domestic Production Activities - Supported efforts to maintain Section 199 deduction for proceeds from agricultural products grown or manufactured by cooperatives.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future, such as the AG Act (H.R. 4092).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF supports and is working to implement the school milk provisions of the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 244). NMPF also supports the School Milk Nutrition Act (H.R. 4101). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Supported reforms to Margin Protection Program for Dairy as well as efforts to provide dairy producers with enhanced risk management options as part of supplemental appropriations legislation (H.R. 4667). Supported administrative efforts to help dairy producers access additional risk management options, as well as report language in the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 244). Supported foreign aid programs including the McGovern Dole Food Aid program.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Domestic Production Activities - Supported efforts to maintain Section 199 deduction for proceeds from agricultural products grown or manufactured by cooperatives.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 848) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for increased funding baseline for 2018 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Appropriations measures.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF is supportive of the School Milk Nutrition Act and the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act. NMPF also supports the dairy-specific provisions of the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016. Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Supported reforms to Margin Protection Program for Dairy. Supported administrative efforts to help dairy producers access additional risk management options. Supported foreign aid programs including the McGovern Dole Food Aid program.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 848) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 848) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process. CERCLA/EPCRA - Supported bipartisan amendment to FY 2018 House Appropriations package (H.R. 3354) to defund EPA enforcement of new reporting requirements.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for increased funding baseline for 2018 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Appropriations measures.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Domestic Production Activities - Supported efforts to maintain Section 199 deduction for proceeds from agricultural products grown or manufactured by cooperatives.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF supports and is working to implement the school milk provisions of the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 244). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. Supported reforms to Margin Protection Program for Dairy. Supported administrative efforts to help dairy producers access additional risk management options, as well as report language in the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 244). Supported foreign aid programs including the McGovern Dole Food Aid program.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Supported RFS Electricity Pathway to make biogas eligible as a renewable fuel. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for increased funding baseline for 2018 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Appropriations measures.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 2853, S. 988) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Domestic Production Activities - Supported efforts to maintain Section 199 deduction for proceeds from agricultural products grown or manufactured by cooperatives.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Milk Standard of Identity - Supported the DAIRY PRIDE Act (H.R. 778, S. 130) to require FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Advocated on trade agreements, including NAFTA Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of FAST Act (PL 114-94) relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Supported efforts to roll back the scope of the Clean Water Act through the regulatory process.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Domestic Production Activities - Supported efforts to maintain Section 199 deduction for proceeds from agricultural products grown or manufactured by cooperatives.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for increased funding baseline for 2018 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 and 2018 Appropriations measures.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the GROW Act (H.R. 23) relating to California water flows.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - HR 1552 - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Supported congressional and agency efforts relating to Section 32 purchases of dairy products. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF is supportive of the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015 (H.R. 2407) and the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act. NMPF also supports the dairy-specific provisions of the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016 (H.R. 5003). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Monitored the Trans-Atlantic FTA and advocated for outcomes that would be favorable to the US dairy industry Advocated on the Trans-Pacific FTA and its dairy-related elements Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 5685) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations measures.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 5489, S. 3248) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 5489, S. 3248) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use. CA Drought - Supported the provisions of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (S. 612) relating to California water flows.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - HR 1552 - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations measures.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union Monitored the Trans-Atlantic FTA and advocated for outcomes that would be favorable to the US dairy industry Advocated on the Trans-Pacific FTA and its dairy-related elements Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Supported the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1599) and S. 2609. Supported the Senate biotech labeling compromise (S. 764). Milk Standard of Identity - Supported congressional efforts to urge FDA to increase enforcement relating to the standard of identity for milk. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 5685) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union in future trade agreements Monitored the Trans-Atlantic FTA and advocated for outcomes that would be favorable to the US dairy industry Assessed the Trans-Pacific FTA and advocated for attention to outstanding issues of importance to the US dairy industry Advocated on WHO issues impacting dairy and trade Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.

EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

RCRA - Supported the Farm Regulatory Certainty Act (H.R. 5685) to clarify that manure and other fertilizers returned to the soil as nutrients are not subject to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations measures.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Supported the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1599) and S. 2609. Supported the Senate biotech labeling compromise (S. 764). Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - HR 1552 - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 5489, S. 3248) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.

Estate Tax - Supported efforts to reform and repeal estate taxes. Cash Accounting - Supported maintaining cash accounting for all sized farms in future tax reforms. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent. Biogas and Nutrient Recovery Incentives - NMPF supports the Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act (H.R. 5489) to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies.

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF is supportive of the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015 (H.R. 2407) and the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act. NMPF also supports the dairy-specific provisions of the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act of 2016 (H.R. 5003). Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weights provided carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 related to giving states the ability to trucks hauling milk to exceed Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Provided information related to the following issues: Opposed use of Geographical indications efforts by European Union in future trade agreements Monitored the Trans-Atlantic FTA and advocated for outcomes that would be favorable to the US dairy industry Assessed the Trans-Pacific FTA and advocated for attention to outstanding issues of importance to the US dairy industry Advocated for modifications to WHO proposal that discouraged dairy products for children under three years of age Worked to address trading partner compliance issues and potential market barriers Supported efforts to expand trade and travel to Cuba

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Supported the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1599) and S. 2609. Supported the Senate biotech labeling compromise (S. 764). Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - HR 1552 - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

Advocated for changes in federal truck weight limits provided that carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 relating to giving states the ability to allow trucks hauling milk to exceed the allowable Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Food, Animal Residue Avoidance Databank (FARAD) - Supported funding for this system to provide the industry with information on how to avoid drug, pesticide and environmental contaminant residue problems. Mandatory Animal ID - Supported steps to make this mandatory. Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment - HR 1552 - Opposed legislation to avoid "overuse or misuse" of antibiotics in medicine and agriculture due to inappropriate limitations on needed antibiotics. Nonambulatory Cattle - Monitored efforts to address animal handling, especially nonambulatory cattle regulations and procedures. Antibiotic Residue - Monitored and provided information relating to efforts to expand the scope of testing for antibiotic Residues in animal tissues and milk. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine - Support steps to modernize North American FMD vaccine bank to support vaccine use strategies in the event of a U.S. outbreak. Animal Rights Mandates - Opposed efforts to enact animal rights mandates via federal legislation. Raw Milk Sales -- Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

EPA Clean Water Rule - Raised concerns about significant expansion of the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency through the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.

Labeling - Ensured food labeling is based on sound science. Supported the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015 (H.R. 1599) and S. 2609. Food Safety - Monitored implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act. Raw Milk Sales - Opposed bills facilitating the sale of raw milk (H.R. 3563, H.R. 3564).

2014 Farm Bill implementation and funding, especially regarding the commodity, conservation, energy, and rural development titles. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization - NMPF is monitoring and educating Members of Congress on the effects of the legislation for dairy farmers, cooperatives and consumers. NMPF is supportive of the School Milk Nutrition Act of 2015 (H.R. 2407) and the Improving Child Nutrition Integrity and Access Act. Supported the Federal Milk Marketing Order system.

Advocated for full funding of mandatory programs created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Advocated for programs including in the potential Fiscal Year 2017 Appropriations measures.

Biogas Tax Incentives - Supported efforts to establish tax incentives for biogas production and adoption of nutrient recovery technologies. Biogas Roadmap - Provided expertise and input into the ongoing work on deliverable s contained in the inter-agency Biogas Opportunities Roadmap. Biogas Financing - Provided input to USDA and DOE regarding financing options for farmers wishing to install methane digesters. Anaerobic Digestion - Supported efforts at USDA to ensure existing Farm Bill energy programs provide adequate opportunities for the development of anaerobic digestion systems on dairy farms. Biofuels - Monitored legislation and regulations effecting domestic biofuels production and use.

Advocated for changes in federal truck weights provided carriers install sixth-axle safety technology. Worked to implement provisions of H.R. 22 related to giving states the ability to trucks hauling milk to exceed Interstate Highway System weight limits.

Immigration Reform - Worked on efforts to reform immigration rules relating to agriculture workers. NMPF supports legislation to ensure existing workers can stay on the job and the creation of a mechanism to access new workers in the future. Because it does not address the most pressing labor need of the dairy sector, NMPF opposes H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act, which would require mandatory electronic verification (E-Verify) of all new employees.