In line with the overall strategy, the Global Dairy Platform Board of Directors agreed upon a three-year plan of action, based upon a framework for co-operation across the industry.

The plan consists of a variety of activities to increase demand for dairy among developed and developing markets, with the aim of promoting good quality diets that incorporate dairy, and positioning dairy as beneficial in reducing chronic diseases.

Early portions of the plan focus on using existing science and knowledge. Achieving benefits in the beginning will not only maintain momentum but also improve the likelihood that allocated resources to fill the gaps in knowledge will continue to make gains.

Identify Areas of Co-operation

Now that the strategy and the action plan are published, consultation will take place across the GDP membership to identify activities, communication and research that already exist or are about to be implemented to support the plan. Organisations will be urged to co-operate with each other and use the tools being developed by GDP.

By the GDP Annual Meeting, due to take place in Mexico City from 9-10 November 2008, a full package of cross-industry actions on the priority issues will be available for presentation and discussion.

The monitoring of success based on actual market increases in demand will always be difficult to achieve. Therefore, GDP will track the effects of increased collaboration and actions on a case-by-case basis, reporting back to members the success of this important strategy.