The U.S. dairy industry launched the “Got Jobs?” campaign on Monday to highlight the importance of the dairy sector and build support for dairy exports, which account for about 14 percent of U.S. milk production. Dairy groups have pressed for the elimination of Canada’s supply management system, which limits dairy imports into that country, as part of negotiating the new NAFTA.
“With the Trump administration’s current focus on global trade, it’s important for consumers and policymakers to understand how dairy drives the American economy,” said Michael Dykes of the International Dairy Foods Association. “The United States needs sound trade policy that will place the U.S. dairy industry on a level playing field with global competitors.”
The full title of the year-long campaign, sponsored by the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the International Dairy Foods Association, and the National Milk Producers Federation, is “Got Jobs? Dairy Creates Jobs, Exports Create More.” The groups say the website for the campaign, GotDairyJobs.org, “will share in-depth data and compelling narratives featuring hard-working dairy farmers, innovative dairy company employees, resourceful retailers, and many others throughout the food supply chain.” The groups say the dairy products industry has an overall economic impact of $628 billion a year.
“Got Milk?” was the advertising tagline for the national milk industry for 20 years, ending in 2014. The California Milk Processor Board, which began using the line in 1993, is still using it.
To watch a “Got Jobs?” video, click here.