The International Dairy Federation (IDF) and IDF France representatives met in Paris last week to present the programme for the IDF World Dairy Summit (WDS) taking place from 15 to 18 October 2024 in Paris-La Défense, France. This key event for the dairy sector, which brings together all its players, provides an opportunity to share with the different stakeholders such as dairy farmers, processing companies, dairy leaders, the success stories as well as the challenges facing the sector (sustainability, innovation, attractiveness of the dairy industry, etc.) and join forces to achieve a resilient, innovative and attractive dairy sector.

The IDF WDS 2024 aims to strengthen its members’ resolve to find increasingly sustainable solutions to meet growing demand, a goal which is embodied in this year’s chosen theme: “Proudly committed to a sustainable world.”

“With a growing population, demographic transitions and climate change, the global dairy sector is being challenged. It will have to do what it does best: be innovative and turn to science to find solutions. And that’s precisely where IDF’s strength has been for 120 years” says Laurence Rycken, IDF Director General.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME (not exhaustive)

1. ATTRACTIVITY
This year’s event will focus on the urgent need for generational renewal. The ageing of the farming population and the industry’s workforce, and the difficulty in recruiting new staff, are limiting factors at international level in meeting the growing demand for milk and dairy products. Presentations on the attractiveness of careers in the industry will address the key issues surrounding this challenge and explore the practical solutions offered by the industry: How can the industry attract new talent? How can we increase the presence and role of women (with examples of initiatives in the UK, India and West Africa)? How can we improve living and working conditions on dairy farms, from the USA to Japan and Canada?

“Our cooperative members are proud to be taking part in this important event. It will be an opportunity to meet global players, exchange views, take the pulse of the sector and compare ideas and highlight the positive aspects of our cooperative model, a cooperative which is evolving all the time, with strong local roots and values, in particular regarding sustainability, so as to address tomorrow’s challenges. Another crucial issue for us is to reassure the next generation and pass on our values.” – Damien Lacombe, President, Sodiaal (Candia, Entremont, Yoplait).

2. ECONOMY AND FOOD SECURITY
Forecasts from organisations such as the OECD, FAO and Rabobank show that global consumption of dairy products will continue to grow over the next decade. The ability of supply to meet this demand is therefore of paramount importance,

The aim of these sessions is to identify the main challenges facing dairy production, with a focus on each geographical region: the European Union, West Africa, South America, the United States, Oceania, East and South-East Asia and India. Experts will discuss the following questions: What is the future for production and market shares in the different regions of the world dairy markets? What are the resource constraints and trade-offs? How does the dairy industry position itself within these trade-offs?

“We intend to prove that the global dairy sector can meet the growing demand for milk and dairy products by producing greater quantities more sustainably in line with environmental goals. This year’s summit is set to be an exciting event, bringing together proud and highly motivated stakeholders to discuss key issues and set ambitious goals to achieve a viable and sustainable dairy sector!” says Thierry Roquefeuil, President of Cniel – main sponsor.

3. ENVIRONMENT
The first session will take stock of the public policies and corporate strategies to limit the environmental impact of the dairy sector. Experts will also look at two major challenges, namely decarbonization: what economic benefits can a dairy farm derive from environmental optimisation? How can this transition be financed? And biodiversity: how is this issue addressed in agricultural policies and how can it be measured, maintained and improved?
“At Danone, we’re convinced that agriculture and specifically the dairy sector is part of the solution to transition to a sustainable, future-proof food system. We believe that collective action is the only way to achieve this transition. This is why we are proud to support the World Dairy Summit taking place in October, a forum rallying all the global actors and stakeholders around a joint commitment to a sustainable future for the sector.” – Fabrice Salamanca, Global VP Public Affairs, Danone.

There will also be sessions on animal welfare, health safety (the impact of global warming on the health quality of milk and dairy products), nutrition, sustainable food and fermentation.

See the full programme here.