By Jamie Martin
A delegation of U.S. dairy leaders led by National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) President and CEO Gregg Doud travelled to the United Kingdom and the European Union in late June to explore opportunities for expanding dairy exports and building stronger trade partnerships.
Joining Doud were NMPF’s Shawna Morris and Jaime Castaneda, alongside U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) Chair Becky Nyman, Vice Chair Alex Peterson, and President and CEO Krysta Harden.
Together, they represented the voice of American dairy in high-level meetings with policymakers and industry groups.
In the UK, the delegation visited farms and met with officials including Graham Floater, the UK’s Chief Negotiator for Trade with the U.S. They discussed how importing safe, high-quality U.S. dairy products could support British consumer needs and strengthen supply chains.
The group’s Brussels visit included discussions with EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen, U.S. embassy staff, and representatives from EU trade and food safety departments.
Meetings also included major dairy organizations such as Eucolait, COPA-COGECA, and the International Dairy Federation.
The NMPF emphasized the $3 billion trade imbalance between the U.S. and EU, driven by non-tariff and tariff barriers that limit access for American dairy. The team called for fairer rules and improved alignment with World Trade Organization standards.
NMPF highlighted how current EU policies often take a “detailed and prescriptive” approach that harms trade progress. “We’re committed to growing market access while advocating for balanced regulations that benefit producers and consumers on both sides,” said NMPF leadership.
This mission signals growing U.S. efforts to build international dairy partnerships and unlock export potential in key markets.
Photo Credit: national-milk-producers-federation
Categories: National