The International Dairy Federation summit, being held in Auckland this week, is a major event on the world dairy industry calendar.
It will bring together representatives from up to 41 countries and from many professions and occupations. There will be scientists, farmers, nutritionists, regulators, marketers, statisticians, veterinariansand more taking part in the seminars, plenary sessions, workshops and field trips which will comprise the summit.
The summit is, first and foremost, a forum for discussion and the exchange of information. It offers participants valuable opportunities to update their knowledge, to exchange views and meet key people in their own and related fields.
At this year's summit - the first to be held in New Zealand since 1985 - there will be a strong focus on farming issues such as environmental impacts and animal health issues. Respected international authorities will speak on these subjects and their addresses will be complemented by on-farm field presentations.
The nutrition conference will feature the latest development in bio-active foods and the conference on emerging technology will look at new processes and the ever-expanding role of dairy products in nutrition and health.
A highlight of the summit promises to be the series of keynote addresses by world dairy industry leaders who will share their views on international trade policy and trade liberalisation, globalisation, and environmental and health issues.
Hosting this summit is both an honour and an opportunity to showcase the New Zealand industry to the dairy world.
