By Andi Anderson
On October 17, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) hosted a Women in Agriculture Roundtable at their Novi, Michigan headquarters, with special guest USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Alexis Taylor.
The roundtable brought together over a dozen women in leadership positions within Michigan’s agriculture industry to discuss USDA programs and resources that support agricultural exports and address issues impacting women in agriculture.
“We were honored to host Under Secretary Taylor and engage in meaningful conversations with women leaders in agriculture,” said Joe Diglio, MMPA President and CEO. “The discussion not only showcased the importance of USDA’s programs, but also emphasized the critical role women play in advancing agriculture industries.”
MMPA is proud of its commitment to gender diversity, with 50% of their senior leadership team and 28% of their total leadership positions held by women. The cooperative values inclusivity at all levels, with 27% of its over 600 employees identifying as female.
MMPA believes that fostering a diverse workforce drives success and is dedicated to making decisions that positively impact members, employees, and their communities.
This roundtable aligns with USDA’s efforts to promote the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Under Secretary Taylor’s visit to MMPA is part of her ongoing nationwide tour to engage with agricultural leaders and highlight the contributions of women in agriculture.
MMPA, a cooperative established in 1916, is known for its high-quality dairy products and serves members across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Business