Binational dairy summit reinforces cooperation on trade, innovation and support for the next generation of farmers
The dairy industries of the United States and Mexico have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership following the conclusion of the 2026 U.S.-Mexico Binational Dairy Summit, with leaders from both countries committing to closer collaboration on trade, innovation and the future of dairy farming as discussions surrounding the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) continue.
The three-day summit, held from July 29 to July 31 in Querétaro, Mexico, brought together representatives from the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and leading Mexican dairy organizations. The annual event focused on strengthening cooperation between the two neighbouring dairy sectors while addressing issues affecting producers, processors and consumers.
The meeting came shortly after the third round of U.S.-Mexico negotiations related to the USMCA, highlighting the importance of industry engagement as both governments continue discussions on the future of the regional trade agreement.
Shared priorities focus on trade and long-term sector growth
During the eighth annual binational summit, participating organizations reaffirmed their commitment to policies designed to improve competitiveness and encourage sustainable growth across the dairy industries of both countries.
A key outcome of this year’s meeting was the adoption of a new shared principle aimed at supporting the next generation of dairy farmers. Industry leaders agreed that exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices and creating new opportunities for collaboration will be essential to ensuring the long-term success of dairy production in both nations.
The organizations also pledged to maintain regular dialogue on issues affecting cross-border trade while continuing to work together on initiatives that strengthen the industry’s resilience and competitiveness.
Industry leaders emphasize value of cooperation
Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, highlighted the importance of maintaining close ties between the two dairy industries.
“The dairy trade relationship between the United States and Mexico is a true success story as our industries have grown in parallel for over three decades” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “Central to that success is an open dialogue. We look forward to continuing work together to address shared challenges and develop our markets together.”
Doud’s comments underscore the significant role that bilateral trade has played in expanding dairy markets and supporting producers on both sides of the border over the past three decades.
Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, said continued cooperation between industry organizations remains essential as demand for dairy products grows internationally.
“Strong industry partnerships complement strong trade relationships,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “Our continued collaboration helps ensure dairy producers and processors in both countries are well positioned to meet growing demand and strengthen the dairy sector in the United States and Mexico. We appreciate Mexico hosting this important event and we look forward to maintaining this critical relationship to support our farmers on both sides of the border.”
USMCA review provides backdrop for industry discussions
The summit was held against the backdrop of the ongoing USMCA review process, with NMPF and USDEC participating as advisors to U.S. trade negotiators during the latest round of bilateral discussions.
Industry leaders said maintaining open communication throughout the review process will help ensure the dairy sector’s priorities remain represented as policymakers consider future trade policies affecting North America’s integrated agricultural markets.
Participants also agreed to expand cooperation in the coming months, with particular attention given to supporting young dairy farmers, promoting the nutritional benefits of dairy products and strengthening information-sharing initiatives between organizations in both countries.
Organizations continue to represent dairy industry interests
The National Milk Producers Federation, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, represents dairy producers and the cooperatives they own, with member cooperatives accounting for more than two-thirds of U.S. milk production. The organization advocates for dairy policy before Congress and federal agencies.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council is an independent, non-profit membership organization representing U.S. dairy producers, processors, cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and exporters. The council works to strengthen the global competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry while supporting the expansion of international dairy exports.
The commitments made during the 2026 U.S.-Mexico Binational Dairy Summit signal continued cooperation between two of North America’s largest dairy industries as they work to strengthen trade, encourage innovation and prepare the sector for future growth under the evolving USMCA framework.