Leading dairy organizations recently 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 Nov. 27-28, 2018, at the Sacramento Convention Center, is co-hosted by Dairy Cares, Dairy Council of California (DCC), California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), California Dairy Quality Assurance Program and California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF). More than 10 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 Assn.

“California dairy farmers are raising the bar for environmentally friendly farming practices,” said dairy producer Charles “Chuck” Ahlem, 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 dairy 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.

“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,” CMAB chief executive officer John Talbot said. “This first California Dairy Sustainability Summit creates a platform for sharing and creating future partnerships to ensure we continue to lead the way.”

A key theme throughout the two-day trade show and educational sessions will be finding workable approaches that are both environmentally and financially sustainable. The summit will begin with a day of dialogue among dairy farmers, regulatory officials, researchers and others. Panelists and speakers will discuss consumer trends, nutrition and the environment within the context of sustainability. The second day will serve as a forum for dairy farmers, with breakout sessions designed to help farmers utilize the latest research and technology to reduce on-farm costs and benefit from further advancements in environmental stewardship.

CDRF chairman and California dairy producer Richard Wagner said the 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. 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.”

Attendees will include California dairy farmers and operators, dairy technology and service providers, elected officials, government agencies that regulate dairy farms, academic researchers, utility providers, nutrition and health professionals, dairy processors and other allied organizations. The event aims to help further advance California’s sustainable farming practices and secure dairy’s place as a vital part of the Golden State’s 21st-century economy and the global food system.

“California dairy farm families and processors are leading the way in sustainability, including environmental stewardship and the role of dairy in a healthy diet,” DCC CEO Tammy Anderson-Wise said. “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.”