Use this blog as your one-stop place for the "exports angle" at the Summit. Get updates here throughout the week.  

Returning to the U.S. for the first time in 30 years, the IDF World Dairy Summit has kicked off in Chicago, presenting a fantastic opportunity to showcase the positive story of U.S. dairy and U.S. dairy exports.

A pre-Summit session titled, “Boundless Potential: The Newest Generation of Dairy Researchers,” and a Welcome Reception at Chicago’s House of Blues, marked the unofficial start of the event on Sunday.

The International Dairy Federation World Dairy Summit (IDF WDS) 2023 shifts into high gear Monday through Thursday, with three-plus days of dynamic programming that includes eight plenary sessions and 21 concurrent break-out sessions showcasing numerous global dairy leaders and world-renowned experts.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council has taken a leadership role in the planning.

                   

“We have put together an immersive program that will feature global leaders, scientists, technical specialists, farmers and many others from around the world,” said Summit Co-Chair Nick Gardner, USDEC senior vice president, Sustainability and Multilateral Affairs. “The goal is to work together with a united focus on the future and on the benefits that dairy offers the world, reflecting our Summit theme: ‘BE Dairy—boundless potential and endless possibilities.’”

Last year's Summit was held in New Delhi, India. 

“It’s not often that you’re able to convene a captive global audience in your backyard to tell your own story. I'm looking forward to that,” said Summit Co-Chair Shawna Morris, USDEC executive vice president, Trade Policy and Global Affairs.

In the video below, Missouri dairy farmer and USDEC interim chair Alex Peterson captured the enthusiasm of the global event and the optimism around U.S. exports. 

USDEC social media is providing information and images from Chicago throughout the week. For more daily highlights, see:

Monday (October 16): USDEC at the Summit

Tuesday (October 17): USDEC at the Summit

Wednesday (October 18): USDEC at the Summit

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The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff.