In a landmark move for the dairy industry, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and KADIN, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This pivotal agreement is poised to enhance the collaboration between U.S. and Indonesian dairy sectors, propelling trade, nutrition and cooperation to new heights.
A Framework for Enhanced Cooperation
The newly signed MOU outlines a robust framework aimed at amplifying dairy trade, fostering substantial commercial cooperation and enhancing public nutrition in Indonesia. Core aspects of this collaboration include:
- Integration of dairy into Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals program.
- Streamline regulatory procedures, such as dairy facility registration.
- Sharing data on market trends and exchanging information on best practices.
- Enhancing technical expertise in dairy production.
- Coordinated public communication efforts to highlight the nutritional benefits of dairy.
Additionally, the agreement emphasizes supporting school milk programs, aimed at boosting child health and educational success.
Voices Behind the Agreement
Krysta Harden, USDEC’s president and CEO, expresses enthusiasm over this new chapter of trade cooperation.
“This agreement marks an exciting next chapter in U.S.–Indonesia cooperation on trade and dairy,” she remarks. “It builds on strong momentum from the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program that USDEC launched in January. It charts a pathway for U.S. dairy suppliers to more fully complement local Indonesian milk supplies during a critical time for U.S.-Indonesia trade relations.”
Echoing this sentiment, Gregg Doud, NMPF’s president and CEO, highlights the mutual goal of the collaboration.
“The United States and Indonesia share a mission of promoting dairy as a valuable source of nutrition,” he says. “The agreement signed today commits our industries to join efforts to grow the Indonesian market and support producers in both countries.”
The Road Ahead
The MOU is a testament to the strengthening bonds between the U.S. and Indonesian dairy industries. This relationship, initiated by Harden’s participation in a 2023 industry trade mission to Indonesia, is built on mutual trust and shared goals.
As the seventh-largest export market for U.S. dairy, Indonesia purchased $245 million worth of dairy products in 2024. With President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto’s introduction of a new national school meals program, which includes dairy, the demand for U.S. dairy in Indonesia is expected to grow substantially.
Over the past year, USDEC has led initiatives under the U.S.-Indonesia Dairy Partnership Program. In January, the program’s first farmer education and training session took place in Indonesia. Collaborating with New Mexico and Wisconsin Agriculture Departments, New Mexico State University, and Indonesian partners, the project focuses on the dissemination of innovative educational materials. These efforts aim to empower Indonesian small-scale dairy producers to enhance both the quality and quantity of their milk, allowing U.S. dairy supplies to support Indonesia’s escalating dairy demands.
This MOU signifies a forward-thinking alliance that promises to bolster the dairy industries of both nations. As Indonesia gears up for a future enriched with dairy nutrition, the partnership between the U.S. and Indonesia shines as a beacon of cooperative potential and shared prosperity. The dairy industries stand united in nurturing the nutritional landscape of tomorrow.
Your Next Read:
Protecting Common Food Names: A Battle Against Unfair Trade Practices
