IDFA senior vice president set to retire by end of 2025

USA – J. David Carlin, senior vice president of legislative affairs and economic policy for the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), announced his retirement at the end of 2025 after nearly four decades in food and agriculture, including 11 years at IDFA.

Dave joined IDFA in 2014 to lead legislative and political affairs as well as the association’s economic policy work.

Before joining IDFA, Carlin was a partner with the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP where he represented numerous food and agricultural companies, cooperatives and trade associations before the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“It has been an honor to represent the dairy processing industry in Washington, D.C. As the son and grandson of dairy farmers, working at IDFA has been more than a job to me – it has been a true labor of love.

“I am proud of the work everyone on the IDFA team does to support our industry and I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to work with our members to improve health and nutritional outcomes for many Americans by increasing access to all varieties of dairy products in federal nutrition programs,” said Carlin.  

IDFA urges Congress to restore WIC milk benefits

The news comes after IDFA called on Congress to reinstate the previous maximum monthly allowance of milk for families participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). 

The appeal follows the introduction of the Protecting Mothers and Infants’ Access to Milk Act, which seeks to reverse reductions made by the Biden Administration.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA, stated that six million low-income mothers, infants, and young children depend on WIC for essential nutrition, particularly dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. 

He noted that these items are among the most frequently redeemed through the program. Dykes criticized the recent cuts, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable families. 

“Despite high food costs and chronic food insecurity, the Biden Administration cut WIC milk and dairy benefits the equivalent of 3 gallons or more of milk per family per month,” he said.

“This Congress has the opportunity to right that wrong before the WIC cuts take effect in 2026,” 

The Protecting Mothers and Infants’ Access to Milk Act is led by Representatives Van Orden of Wisconsin and Harder of California. 

IDFA has commended their efforts, stating that restoring the previous levels of dairy benefits is necessary to ensure that women and children in need continue to access nutritious dairy products.

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