IDF Explores New Opportunities for Non-Cow Milk Production

This was a great opportunity to exchange and learn about new ideas and information on non-cow milk production in order to identify the challenges ahead and the means to address issues through international collaboration.

5/24/2011 --- Over 250 experts from 37 countries gathered in Athens, Greece, this week for the International Dairy Federation’s Dairy Science and Technology Week to discuss the latest developments in goat, sheep and other non-cow milk sectors.

Speakers presented state-of-the-art research on a wide range of topics including greenhouse gas emissions and environmental issues, sustainable development, zoonoses and animal health, raw milk, innovation in technology for dairy products processing or nutritional aspects of non-cow milk.

One of many top quality presentations underlined the growing importance of camel milk and other non-cow milks in different parts of the world. Dr. Bernard Faye, an FAO consultant and a leading researcher with the French research centre working with developing countries to tackle international agricultural and development issues (CIRAD), explained the key role of non-cow milk for sustainable rural development in emerging countries to provide access to the nutritional benefits of milk to growing populations.

The symposium was also an opportunity to recognize Professor Emmanuel Anifantakis and Mr. Alexios Pappas, and pay a tribute to the late Professor Ionannis Kandarakis for their outstanding contribution to the development of the Greek dairy sector and to the work of IDF.

IDF President Richard Doyle said he was delighted to have taken part in such a successful event:

“IDF is dedicated to promoting leading edge scientific research for the dairy sector. The IDF National Committee of Greece, its President Professor Andreas Georgoudis and the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Professor Effie Tsakalidou, organized a fantastic event. This was a great opportunity to exchange and learn about new ideas and information on non-cow milk production in order to identify the challenges ahead and the means to address issues through international collaboration."

“Non-cow milk production is growing constantly and will offer new challenges for IDF to face. We’re committed to support the further development of this sector in an effort to improve a diverse and sustainable dairy industry and deliver nutritional and healthy products to consumers all over the world.”

The next IDF event will take place in Parma, Italy, in October 2011. The World Dairy Summit will showcase the industry’s accomplishments and upcoming projects under the theme “Sustainable food security”.