Four distinguished dairy experts from IDF member countries were recognized for their work in advancing scientific knowledge of the global dairy sector at the annual World Dairy Summit 2018 in Daejeon, Korea, on 17 October.

“These winners are an inspiration to the dairy community for their dedication and hard work in driving dairy development,” said IDF President Dr Judith Bryans who handed out the awards at a gala dinner.

“Their insights, strategic thinking, passion and leadership in their areas of expertise have made significant contributions to the IDF in its mission to advance the dairy sector. They are valued for sharing their knowledge and enlightening perspectives on issues and solutions for dairy sustainability. Tonight, we salute them for being dairy champions and enabling IDF to maintain its lead in global dairy expertise.”

Mr Jean François Boudier was bestowed the IDF Award 2018 for his outstanding contribution to progress in dairying worldwide at a gala dinner on 17 October during the World Dairy Summit 2018 in Daejeon, Korea.

The former head of research at Prosperite Fermiere, Dijon, France, has been an IDF expert since 1971. He has been a member of the IDF Standing Committees on Dairy Science and Technology, and Food Labelling.

Receiving the award on behalf of Mr Boudier was Eric Grande, President of IDF France.

“I’m proud to accept the award for Jean François who dedicated most of his professional life of more than 25 years to the dairy sector,” said Mr Grande. “He was always involved in innovation and always took a solid position in defence of the dairy sector and its global development.”

The IDF Prize of Excellence 2018 went to Dr Jaap Evers for his outstanding contribution to the IDF Work Programme.

“I feel very privileged that I have been able to contribute to the sector’s success by leading work that has helped to increase global harmonization of standards, and thereby shape the global regulatory framework for the benefit of the dairy sector and consumers,” said Dr Evers in a videotaped message from New Zealand.

“Dairy is an innovative and dynamic sector. The cooperation between the various dairy sector stakeholders within the pre-competitive space is in many ways an example to, and the envy of, other food sectors. IDF can be really proud that it has made, and continues to make, a very important contribution to the success of the global dairy sector,” he added.

Two notable dairy experts were honoured with the IDF Prize of Recognition for their dedication to the IDF and were presented with a trophy each by IDF Director General Caroline Emond.

Mr Olav Østerås, Chair of the Standing Committee on Animal Health and Welfare (SCAHW), was acknowledged for his outstanding leadership.

“I’ve learned so much about the global dairy sector through my work at IDF where I am exposed to the operating environment in different countries and can learn from each other about best practices which we can adopt at home,” said Mr Østerås.

“I’m serving my second term as Chair of SCAHW, and this award will give me further encouragement. Animal health and welfare is an important area of my work which combines veterinary science and dairy science. Working across these two disciplines helps to build trust in the consumer.”

Mr Jean-Marc Delort was recognized for his outstanding contribution as Chair of the Science and Programme Coordination Committee. He said IDF offers an excellent platform for dairy professionals and experts worldwide to connect which helps to enrich their knowledge and widen their perspectives.

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to serve the IDF. As a well-recognized and respected organization, the expertise of the IDF in scientific knowledge-sharing has had a strong impact on the global dairy sector,” said Mr Delort.

The European Milk Forum (EMF) won the IMP Yves Boutonnat Trophy with their Milk Moments campaign. The EMF Milk Moments campaign includes five countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland and Northern Ireland) with the objective of creating joint trans-European communication strategies for the dairy sector within the internal European market.