IDF World Dairy Summit 2024: Innovation and Sustainability Lead the Agenda
Source: DairyNews.today
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit 2024 kicked off with a resounding emphasis on innovation as the key driver for the dairy industry’s future. Outgoing IDF President Piercristiano Brazzale underscored the vital role of technological and process innovations in enabling the sector to “produce more, waste less, and continue providing nutritious, high-quality products.” He further highlighted the industry’s urgent need to reduce emissions to align with global sustainability goals.
“The global dairy sector has already embarked on this journey, with many of us producing in increasingly sustainable ways,” Brazzale stated, noting that dairy farming also contributes positively to the environment through ecosystem services. He emphasized that these contributions should be recognized as part of the sector's sustainable transformation.
Echoing Brazzale’s sentiments, IDF Director General Laurence Rycken stressed that dairy must be an integral part of conversations on sustainable food systems. “Dairy is part of the solution for a sustainable future,” she said, adding that the industry is committed to ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods worldwide.
The summit, which runs until Friday, brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the dairy sector. Outgoing European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Janusz Wojciechowski, addressed attendees, paying tribute to the dairy industry’s long-standing role in global food security. He called for a collaborative approach to enhance the resilience and viability of family dairy farms, which are foundational to Europe’s agricultural landscape. “Dairy farming has deep roots in our past and plays a vital role in our present food system,” Wojciechowski stated, expressing gratitude to farmers and the dairy supply chain for their contributions.
In line with its commitment to inclusivity, the IDF also unveiled the Women in Dairy Report 2024, recognizing the substantial contributions of women within the global dairy sector. Rycken praised the report’s findings, which demonstrate how women are “driving progress and fostering well-being in their communities, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of our sector.” The report includes initiatives such as Ireland’s Agri-Food Diversity & Inclusion Forum (AgDIF), which showcases the impact of empowering women across the dairy value chain.
The World Dairy Summit continues to provide a platform for the dairy industry to share insights, tackle sustainability challenges, and promote inclusivity, reinforcing its role in building a resilient and innovative future for global dairy.
Echoing Brazzale’s sentiments, IDF Director General Laurence Rycken stressed that dairy must be an integral part of conversations on sustainable food systems. “Dairy is part of the solution for a sustainable future,” she said, adding that the industry is committed to ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods worldwide.
The summit, which runs until Friday, brings together leaders, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the dairy sector. Outgoing European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Janusz Wojciechowski, addressed attendees, paying tribute to the dairy industry’s long-standing role in global food security. He called for a collaborative approach to enhance the resilience and viability of family dairy farms, which are foundational to Europe’s agricultural landscape. “Dairy farming has deep roots in our past and plays a vital role in our present food system,” Wojciechowski stated, expressing gratitude to farmers and the dairy supply chain for their contributions.
In line with its commitment to inclusivity, the IDF also unveiled the Women in Dairy Report 2024, recognizing the substantial contributions of women within the global dairy sector. Rycken praised the report’s findings, which demonstrate how women are “driving progress and fostering well-being in their communities, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of our sector.” The report includes initiatives such as Ireland’s Agri-Food Diversity & Inclusion Forum (AgDIF), which showcases the impact of empowering women across the dairy value chain.
The World Dairy Summit continues to provide a platform for the dairy industry to share insights, tackle sustainability challenges, and promote inclusivity, reinforcing its role in building a resilient and innovative future for global dairy.
