WASHINGTON — The International Dairy Foods Association announced it is now accepting nominations for its top annual industry awards: the IDFA Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year and the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award.

IDFA will consider nominees through Oct. 28, and winners will be revealed during the organization’s annual Dairy Forum event, set to take place from January 22-25, 2023, in Orlando, Fla.

The IDFA Laureate Award goes to an outstanding dairy industry leader who has demonstrated “significant, prolonged contributions.” It is open to all segments of the dairy industry, as well as suppliers and educators.

Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year nominees, per IDFA, should come from active US dairy farms that embrace innovation, technology and industry collaboration. Nominees are judged on current practices in place at their farms, as well as how the farms are working toward solving future economic and business challenges.

An honor specifically for companies this year (it goes to individuals in odd years), the Food Safety Leadership Award will be chosen from nominees that are IDFA member companies which process, manufacture, market or distribute dairy products in North America, or are part of a group organized by a member company or an IDFA-organized group of volunteers.

Further details and criteria for nominees, along with specific forms that accompany each award, can be accessed online at IDFA’s website:

IDFA Laureate Award

Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year

Food Safety Leadership Award