The exchange of information and opinion at international level is more important than ever during this time of rapidly changing world markets for agricultural commodities and market globalization, with dramatic repercussions on supply and demand in the dairy industry.

The increasing importance of issues related to the environment, energy sources and technological innovation with regard to milk supply and dairy processing will be key aspects addressed at the IDF World Dairy Summit 2009. Senior economists and government representatives will gather in Berlin to participate in various conferences and other parts of the Summit programme, providing ample opportunity for economic, political and scientific exchange on current issues.

Berlin has become the capital of a united Germany. In the past 20 years that have followed the German reunification and the opening of Central Europe’s borders, Berlin has become one of the most dynamic economic and cultural centers in the heart of Europe.

Berlin is one of the most visited cities on the continent. The city’s renowned universities, research institutions, theaters and museums enjoy international reputation. There are few European cities able to demonstrate such tremendous regional political, cultural and economic developments.

I look forward to welcoming you to the IDF World Dairy Summit in September 2009.

Udo Folgart
President of the German Dairy Association (VDM)

The annual IDF World Dairy Summit is the premier dairy event of the year. It is the gathering platform that unites all dairy industry segments to create a sustainable, profitable and expanding industry.

I would like to express my very special and personal thanks to the German Dairy Association for the extraordinary work that is being invested to make the IDF World Dairy Summit organized under the theme United World Dairy 2009 a great success.

This year’s conference program, world-class speakers, interactive discussions, technical visits as well as trade show opportunities will deliver value to your daily business, and positive energy for the road ahead. You will have the opportunity to take part in discussions between industry leaders on timely topics that are affecting the dairy industry and explore ways of networking that may benefit your organization.

The IDF World Dairy Summit offers a mix of important business-building topics and the insight of experts who are in the food industry and who study the food industry. Participants are guaranteed to take away a fresh outlook, a few new friends, a contact, resource or idea that could make a huge difference in profitably managing their dairy business, activity or work.

Join us in this truly international dairy event and meet dairy leaders from around the world coming together to seek new ways of working together to further the value of dairy products, ingredients and knowledge with the goal of meeting the needs of tomorrow's consumers.

If you want to get insight into the global marketplace and be given the opportunity to network, this is the event to take part in!

I look forward to wide-ranging and fruitful discussions with you,

Richard Doyle
President of the International Dairy Federation (IDF)