IDF welcomes Russia and Kenya as members
The International Dairy Federation (IDF), the global source of science-based dairy expertise since 1903, has welcomed Russia and Kenya as official members of IDF, raising the overall number of member states within the Federation to 43.
Dr Judith Bryans president of the IDF said: “We’re very happy to welcome both Russia and Kenya into the IDF membership. We look forward to working with them on the key issues facing the global dairy sector today. Having these countries at the table alongside our other members is incredibly important adding even more strength to our global voice, knowledge and expertise.
“In welcoming these two new members into its community, IDF is further demonstrating its valuable and ever-growing reach, ambition and influence within the global dairy sector.”
As members of IDF, Kenya and Russia will benefit from being part of a dynamic network of dairy experts whose aim it is to support and develop the global dairy sector. The activities of IDF members promote policy dialogue, forge links, foster partnerships, build capacities and develop best practice within the dairy sector worldwide.
“With the recent addition of two more countries to IDF, Russia and Kenya, IDF now represents over 75% of the world’s milk supply,” said Caroline Emond, director general of IDF. “I look forward to collaborating with our new members on important issues and opportunities facing the global sector.”
The IDF National Committee in Russia will be led by Belov Artyom, CEO of Souzmoloko, the Russian National Union of Dairy Processors, and the Kenya National Committee for IDF will be led by Margaret Kibogy, managing director of the Kenya Dairy Board.
Mrs Kibogy said: “On behalf of Kenya Dairy Board we are excited to be an associate member of International Dairy Federation. The Kenya dairy industry is a major socio-economic activity benefiting a wide range of stakeholders. Approximately 1.5 million small-scale dairy farmers, who produce the bulk of the 5.2 billion litres of milk per annum, derive livelihoods from milk production, and the dairy sector contributes approximately 4% to the national GDP.
“Through this membership, the country will benefit from the engagement, knowledge sharing through the global platform. We will also play an active role in to discussion in the platform together with other industry players.”