August 2023. IDF President Piercristiano Brazzale, Director General Caroline Emond, and Board member Laurent Damien participated at the World Dairy Industry Conference held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China, in early August. The 3-day event was attended by Chinese and key international dairy experts. The main focus of the Conference was innovation.
The IDF Delegation had the opportunity to witness firsthand the commitment of China to dairy, its vision for the future and the significant investments in innovation centres.
As IDF President, Piercristiano Brazzale, said: “One key factor that has fuelled the growth of Chinese dairy companies is their dedication to excellence and innovation.”
Mr Brazzale also stated: “As we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, it is crucial that we forge a common ground to further enhance our commitment to sustainability. The future of the dairy sector relies on our collective efforts to promote positive change, integrate sustainable practices, and drive innovation throughout the entire value chain. Innovation is also part of IDF’s DNA.”
In effect, innovation is also a vital driving force that leads the dairy sector on its pathway to the future.
In her remarks at the Dairy Industry Technology Innovation Forum: “Creating the Future, Building the World Dairy Ecosystem”, the IDF Director General, Caroline Emond, said: “IDF’s vision for the future is simple: ‘Supporting the efforts of the global dairy sector to provide safe, nutritious, sustainable and accessible dairy products to the world’s population while being a source of economic and social vitality in agricultural communities and the dairy sector.’ Innovation will help us finding ways to produce more nutritious milk and dairy foods with less resources while maximizing our positive impacts”.
In a fasting changing world, we need to build resilience and embrace innovation and forward-thinking. We already know some technological advancements that are shaping the future of the dairy industry, such as automation and robotics, improving efficiency, reducing labour costs, and enhancing animal welfare. Technology is contributing to better animal health monitoring, genetics and nutrition. Blockchain technology is enhancing traceability and quality control. This is just the beginning. As long as we keep the interests of farmers and consumers at heart, those innovations will help the sector accomplish its mission.
To succeed, we need dairy companies and experts to work together. You can count on the International Dairy Federation to provide the forum to connect, to exchange learnings and to collaborate.
To succeed, we also need more public and private investments in Research & Development and in implementing and scaling up the innovative practices and new technologies according to the specific needs of the various regions. We also need education and capacity building.
In conclusion, we have seen that China clearly demonstrated its willingness to be a dynamic part of the global dairy community and to collaborate.
The future of dairy is bright, and we are building it together!
