WASHINGTON – The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) opened the nomination process for its annual dairy industry awards, including the new IDFA Workplace of the Year, which is co-sponsored by Dairy Processing.

Winners of the IDFA Laureate Award, the Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year, the IDFA Food Safety Leadership Award and the IDFA Workplace of the Year will be announced at Dairy Forum 2024, in Phoenix.

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.

The Food Safety Leadership Award winner is selected from nominees who work for IDFA member companies. The person is expected to possess a track record associated with “outstanding leadership toward enhancing food safety within the dairy products industry,” IDFA shared. The award alternates between honoring companies or groups in odd years and individuals in even years.

With the new Workplace of the Year award, co-sponsored by Dairy Processing, IDFA will honor a member company that implements policies that “promote a positive workplace experience for employees,” through demonstrated actions that support women and minorities, create cultures of inclusiveness and respect, and support professional development. Other examples of applicable policies include establishing paid parental leave, flexible work hours and gender pay equality.

IDFA is accepting nominations for the awards through Oct. 27. More information and links to nomination forms are available online at IDFA’s website.