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2021 Convention Photo Collage

from Northeast Dairy Magazine | Q4 2021

from Northeast Dairy Magazine | Q4 2021, page 48

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as what other issues are on the horizon. The senator shared her solid understanding of what challenges the industry is currently facing and is fully aware of the deep economic impact the dairy sector has on the economy. Hinchey was proud to announce her support for the Nourish New York Program, which stemmed from the start of the pandemic to alleviate supply chain issues, as well as provide food to those in need. While Henchy represents New York, the information she provided was interesting and relevant to all of our guests, as similar issues are happening in just about every state we serve.

The second guest speaker was Jennifer Trodden, the deputy commissioner for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The deputy commissioner gave an indepth look at how the state agency has responded to the pandemic. She, too, referenced the Nourish New York Program, noting the development and impact that it has had, not only on food producers and the dairy industry but on local communities, as well. Trodden also discussed how New York and the department worked closely with neighboring states and the federal government, in particular the USDA and FDA, in securing funding and resources vital to the continuation of the state’s efficient food supply chain.

The information and presentations provided by Gallagher, Hinchey and Trodden were an appropriate introduction to the panel discussion that followed. Gallagher served as moderator for the panel, where Hinchey and Trodden were joined by Laura McCranie, director of fluid milk marketing for Dairy Farmers of America; Randi Mazumdar, senior director of dairy and energy procurement for HP Hood; and Nathan Pistner, plant manager for Great Lakes Cheese and president of the New York State Cheese Manufacturers Association.

This year’s panel discussion topic revolved around how, over the past 10 years, the dairy industry has witnessed a decline in consumption averaging 1% to 2% per year. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that consumers still demand healthy, nutritious dairy products in their homes, as there was an increase in milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy product sales during this time period. The question on people’s minds, however, was “How does the dairy industry collectively (producers, processors/manufacturers, retailers and others) retain and increase consumption and continue the positive trend that has been seen during 2020?”

In addition, the panel discussed what measures need to be taken to prevent supply chain events that the dairy industry experienced early in the pandemic from happening again.

The panel discussion provided a lively and professional debate and dialogue pertaining to these questions and showed how the industry is energized to continue the momentum of market trends and consumption, as well as capitalize on the opportunity of increase in milk and other dairy product sales.

The Northeast Dairy Foods Association, The Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association, The New York State Cheese Manufacturers Association and The Pennsylvania Association of Milk Dealers are excited to announce that the 2022 Northeast Dairy Convention will be held Aug. 17-19 at The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino in Schenectady, New York.

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