The International Dairy Federation’s association with Global Dairy Platform has developed very well over time, and IDF is pleased with the progress we have made.

As a result of this association, IDF has changed. We are now a sharpened, more focused organisation than before. Our involvement with GDP has significantly increased IDF’s awareness of the commercial sector, resulting in a growing involvement of the commercial sector in our work. This occurred without any prejudice to the reputation for scientific integrity that IDF has built up over the years and continues to this day.

In working together in a complementary fashion, IDF has sought to eliminate duplication and find the best ways of using resources efficiently and effectively in the industry’s best interests. Also, the IDF and GDP have agreed to make nutrition our priority, because ultimately this is the most crucial aspect of our development. The process has not always been easy, since it is known that as a natural part of the change process, some areas go faster than others.

However, overall I am absolutely confident that our involvement with GDP has strengthened the technical output of the IDF’s work in nutrition. Our international experts, who are the key to the future progress of science in this area, remain committed to the IDF. I also believe that the IDF rewards their involvement with us and adds value to their businesses.

The IDF will continue to support GDP in the next crucial phase of its development. GDP has been extremely successful in building up critical mass in the commercial sector. The next phase is to persuade them on an ongoing basis that GDP is adding value beyond what they already receive from other national and international organisations. The real strength of GDP is to take to its members the agreed-upon scientific priorities and develop the messages to communicate them worldwide.

- Jim Begg is the President of the International Dairy Federation. He serves on the Board of Global Dairy Platform.