The Cooperative Working Together (CWT) program, established by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) in 2003, is undergoing significant changes to boost U.S. dairy exports. Proposed enhancements include expanding product eligibility, targeted support programs, increased bid flexibility, and improved market insights. With new changes set to be approved by January 1, 2025, the program aims to enhance its impact and support U.S. dairy farmers in international markets.
The Cooperative Working Together (CWT) program, a farmer-funded initiative established in 2003, is set for a significant transformation aimed at enhancing the export of U.S.-made dairy products. Administered by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), this program is undergoing its first major review in over a decade. The overhaul seeks to implement innovative strategies to bolster the program’s impact on international markets, reinforcing NMPF’s commitment to supporting U.S. dairy farmers and advancing industry practices.
Proposed Enhancements to the CWT Program
Chris Galen, Senior Vice President of Member Services at NMPF, revealed in a recent Dairy Radio Now segment that the organization is exploring several changes to the CWT program. The proposed improvements aim to maximize the effectiveness of the program without increasing the financial burden on its members. Key changes under consideration include:
- Expanded Product Eligibility: Including all cheese varieties, aseptic fluid milk, evaporated and condensed milk, and ice cream.
- Targeted Support Programs: Introducing pilot programs for value-added skim milk powder in Southeast Asia and cheese in Central America and the Caribbean.
- Increased Bid Flexibility: Extending eligible delivery periods and removing volume limits on a trial basis.
- Enhanced Market Insights: Providing better market dynamics information to participating cooperatives.
- Strategic Advisory Group: Forming an advisory group to guide the program’s future direction.
For these proposed changes to take effect, cooperatives, including those not currently participating, must seek approval from their memberships and boards of directors by January 1, 2025. Increased participation is crucial for the program’s success and expansion.
Galen emphasized the evolving nature of the CWT program, noting,
“The program began with a herd retirement initiative and has shifted to focus exclusively on export assistance. Our goal is to continually adapt to the global dairy market and enhance the presence of U.S. dairy products abroad.”
Chris Galen, Senior Vice President of Member Services at NMPF
Looking Ahead
The NMPF board of directors will meet on October 21, 2024, to vote on the renewal and future direction of the CWT program. The anticipated changes are expected to bolster the program’s effectiveness and strengthen the U.S. dairy industry’s global footprint.
As the CWT program navigates these changes, the collaborative efforts of farmers and cooperatives will be essential in sustaining the program’s relevance and success in the evolving international dairy marketplace.
