Dairy farmers and stakeholders to converge in Sacramento November 27 – 28 to identify opportunities continue advancing leadership in environmental and economic sustainability
Leading dairy organizations today announced the launch of an inaugural California Dairy Sustainability Summit, which will showcase California’s world-leading achievements in sustainable farming practices and provide dairy farmers with a single venue to access technology, services, and financial support that can help them reduce operating costs, develop new revenue streams and make further advancements in dairy sustainability. The Summit, which will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center from November 27-28, 2018, is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, Dairy Council of California (DCC), California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), California Dairy Quality Assurance Program (CDQAP), and the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF). More than ten organizations have signed on as Event Partners, including California’s dairy trade associations and major dairy cooperatives, along with Sustainable Conservation and the Western States Dairy Producers Association.
“California dairy farmers are raising the bar for environmentally-friendly farming practices,” said dairy producer Charles “Chuck” Ahlem, World Dairy Expo’s 2017 Dairyman of the Year and a director for three of the hosting organizations. “Through the California Dairy Sustainability Summit, we have united to recognize achievements to date, while further improving the environment and ensuring nutritious and affordable foods for generations to come.”
California leads the nation in dairy production, and the industry is the state’s leading agricultural commodity. Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are owned and operated by families, who serve as dedicated stewards of the land and animals. In recognition of California’s progressive climate, water, and air protection policies, the dairy community has made considerable investments, working collaboratively to improve operational efficiency, boost sustainability, and create new economic opportunities. One example is the state’s world-leading efforts to drastically reduce methane emissions through the development of digesters, among other technologies and strategies.
“Consumer trust is valuable currency. Showcasing generations of leadership in sustainable farming connects California dairy to the values we all share and helps maintain that trust,” said John Talbot, chief executive officer of the CMAB. “This first California Dairy Sustainability Summit creates a platform for sharing and creating future partnerships to ensure we continue to lead the way.”
“The California Dairy Research Foundation has a long history of investing in the sustainability advancements of dairy producers, and we are excited to support the upcoming California Dairy Sustainability Summit,” said CDRF chairman and California dairyman, Richard Wagner. “We expect an exciting new venue that will showcase the industry’s long-held commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability measures and one that will introduce new opportunities as we look to the future.”
“California dairy farm families and processors are leading the way in sustainability, including environmental stewardship and the role of dairy in a healthy diet,” said Tammy Anderson-Wise, chief executive officer of the DCC. “The sustainable future of California starts with nourishing children and families and this is made possible by our dairy industry. We encourage you to attend the California Dairy Sustainability Summit to learn more.”
The summit is organized by Gladstein, Neandross and Associates (GNA), on behalf of the dairy industry. Additional information about speakers and partners will be announced in the coming weeks. Early bird registration will be available through Friday, September 28. To secure a booth space or become a sponsor, visit CADairySummit.com.
