USA – The International Dairy Federation (IDF) World Dairy Summit 2024, which commenced on 15 October 2024, has offered a platform to unwrap the powerful focus on innovation and sustainability as central themes driving the future of the dairy industry.
According to the outgoing IDF President Piercristiano Brazzale, technological and process innovations are essential for the sector to “produce more, waste less, and continue providing nutritious, high-quality products.”
Brazzale stressed the need for the dairy industry to reduce emissions and align with global sustainability goals while also highlighting the positive environmental contributions of dairy farming, which provides ecosystem services.
These contributions, he noted, should be recognized as part of the industry’s sustainable transformation.
IDF Director General Laurence Rycken reinforced the message, stating that dairy must play an integral role in discussions around sustainable food systems.
“Dairy is part of the solution for a sustainable future,” she noted, highlighting the industry’s commitment to ensuring global access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food products.
The summit, running through to 18th October,, brings together global leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders to explore the challenges and opportunities the dairy sector faces.
Janusz Wojciechowski, the outgoing European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, paid tribute to the sector’s role in global food security.
He called for collective efforts to strengthen the resilience of family dairy farms, which he described as the backbone of Europe’s agricultural system.
“Dairy farming has deep roots in our past and plays a vital role in our present food system,” he said, expressing gratitude to the farmers and dairy supply chain for their unwavering contributions.
As part of its broader commitment to inclusivity, the IDF also launched the *Women in Dairy Report 2024*, highlighting women’s significant role in the global dairy industry.
Laurence Rycken commended the report, stating that it shows how women are driving progress and fostering well-being in their communities, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of our sector.
The report highlighted initiatives like Ireland’s Agri-Food Diversity & Inclusion Forum (AgDIF), which demonstrates the impact of empowering women throughout the dairy value chain.
In other notable developments, the IDF has elected Gilles Froment as its new President. Froment, who succeeds Piercristiano Brazzale, brings over two decades of experience to the role, having served on the IDF Board and as Treasurer.
Currently the Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations at Lactalis Canada, Froment’s leadership is expected to further shape IDF’s strategic direction.
His prior contributions, particularly as Chair of the Standing Committee on Dairy Policies and Economics (SCDPE), have left a lasting mark on the organization.
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