Declaration on food security and global sustainability at IDF World Dairy Summit

The IDF World Dairy Summit Santiago 2025, the first global dairy event held in South America, concluded with a joint commitment from participating countries to advance food security and sustainable milk production. Organised by the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and supported in Chile by the Consorcio Lechero, Fedeleche, and the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, the summit convened over 1,090 delegates from 48 countries, representing 60% of the global dairy market. The summit featured 90 technical conferences and addressed key challenges including climate change, animal welfare, technological transformation, and production efficiency. Sessions also focused on gender and inclusion, public health, and promotion strategies, reinforcing a comprehensive approach to innovation and sustainability.

Participants, including major producers such as China, India, the EU, New Zealand and the US, ratified the Paris Dairy Declaration on Sustainability (PDDS), a framework for measuring progress in environmental, social, and economic dimensions of dairy production. The PDDS builds on the Rotterdam Dairy Declaration of 2016, expanding its scope to include verifiable commitments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and supported by the FAO.

According to the IDF-FAO 2025 report, the initiative has gathered over 1,000 commitments from 154 organizations in 42 countries, signaling growing global collaboration. The declaration promotes a transition to sustainable production systems that ensure food security, adequate nutrition, and responsible resource management.

Gilles Froment, IDF president, emphasised the declaration’s role in global forums such as the FAO Global Conference on Sustainable Livestock Transformation 2025 and the upcoming COP30, noting that the shift from Rotterdam to Paris reflects increased ambition and action.
Thanawat Tiensin, FAO assistant director-general, states, “The Paris Declaration on Sustainability, jointly developed by FAO and IDF, aims to ensure better production, nutrition, environment, and life.” He stressed the importance of international collaboration to achieve tangible results.

The IDF has created a dynamic platform to record voluntary commitments from dairy companies and organizations, with measurable indicators and deadlines, promoting transparency and accountability. This builds on the sector’s long-standing efforts, from the Global Dairy Agenda for Action (2009) to the Rotterdam Declaration, to improve food production, reduce environmental impact, and support community livelihoods. More information here.

During the summit, various associations and private enterprises signed or reaffirmed their commitments such as Grupo Gloria, FrieslandCampina, Dairy Farmers of Canada, China Dairy Industry Association, Fair Cape Dairies, Valio, Yili Group, Conaprole and Nestlé, among others.

Tiensin adds, “With today’s knowledge, technology, and innovation, we can continue producing sustainable food.” The FAO affirms that sustainable milk production is achievable, reducing environmental impact while ensuring safe and nutritious food.

Chile’s dairy sector demonstrated alignment with global sustainability standards, supported by initiatives such as Chile Origen Consciente, a Ministry of Agriculture programme promoting responsible practices across the dairy value chain.

Octavio Oltra, dairy consortium manager, stated, “The summit reaffirmed Chile’s dairy industry commitment to quality, technological innovation, and climate action.” Chile’s annual milk production exceeds 2.4 million litres, with per capita consumption above the global average, supported by a public-private collaboration model that certifies sustainable products from farm to industry.

The global dairy sector is adopting a holistic sustainability approach, covering natural resource management, biodiversity protection, and the transition to a circular economy, while ensuring safe and nutritious dairy products and supporting community resilience.

Dr Jamie Jonker named honorary member of the IDF

The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is proud to announce that Dr Jamie Jonker has been awarded the prestigious title of Honorary Member by the 120th General Assembly. This rare distinction recognises his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment during his five-year tenure as chair of the IDF Science and Programme Coordination Committee (SPCC).

Under Dr Jonker’s guidance, the SPCC successfully navigated significant challenges and delivered on key priorities of the IDF Programme of Work. His foresight, energy, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the federation and the global dairy sector.
Reflecting on his service, Dr Jonker stated, “It has been an honour to serve the global dairy sector over the last five years. The work that IDF has conducted during that time has advanced the global dairy sector in numerous ways. I will certainly remain involved.”