Two international organisations with a focus on animal health and milk quality: IDF and NMC (Part 1)
The International Dairy Federation (IDF): helping nourish the world with safe, nutritious, and sustainable dairy
Introduction
For more than a century, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has stood at the forefront of global efforts to ensure that dairy continues to nourish the world in a safe, sustainable, and science-based manner. Established in 1903, IDF is today the leading source of scientific and technical expertise on dairy, recognized internationally for its authority in developing harmonized global standards for the sector.
At its core, IDF is driven by a simple but powerful purpose: helping nourish the world with safe, nutritious, and sustainable dairy. This commitment guides its work across the entire dairy value chain, from farm to fork, integrating science, innovation, and collaboration to address the most pressing challenges facing dairy today.
The history of IDF
The IDF as we know it was founded in 1903 in Brussels, Belgium at 1st International Dairy Congress.
Thanks to its francophone origins, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) was originally known as the Fédération Internationale de Laiterie. In 2012, this name was updated to Fédération Internationale du Lait. While the name has evolved, the Federation’s mission remains consistent: to represent the global dairy sector by providing a trusted source of scientific expertise and knowledge. This supports the development and promotion of high-quality milk and dairy products that contribute to nutrition, health, and well-being worldwide.
IDF was granted the status of an international organisation by Royal Decree in Belgium on 5 November 1955. Its current official constitution was adopted in October 2020, in accordance with Belgian law.
Since 1903, IDF has played a key role in shaping standards for the dairy sector. It has worked closely with Codex Alimentarius since its inception in 1963, contributing technical expertise and guidance on milk and dairy products to ensure food safety and fair trade. IDF also collaborates with other international bodies, including the FAO, WHO, WOAH, and ISO.
Since its inception, IDF has played a pivotal role in safeguarding consumer health and promoting fair practices in the food trade. By proactively contributing to the development of science-based, globally harmonized standards, guidelines, codes of practice, and methodologies, IDF has continuously supported the evolution of regulatory frameworks within the dairy sector.
Mission
To nourish the world with safe and sustainable dairy.
IDF is the only organization representing the entire dairy value chain at a global level. Through our network of dairy experts, we:
- Provide science-based evidence and advice for standard and regulation setting.
- Serve as the global voice of dairy to intergovernmental organisations.
- Provide a form for the global dairy sector to reach consensus on key dairy issues.
Vision
Helping to nourish the world with safe and sustainable dairy.
The growing world population needs nutritional security, and we must provide this both safely and sustainably. For over 100 years, IDF has been a recognized dairy organization and international authority which contributes actively to the development of science-based standards for the dairy sector.
IDF provides a mechanism for the dairy sector to reach global consensus on how to help feed the world with safe and sustainable dairy products.
As the leading organization for the global dairy sector, IDF has an important role to play in ensuring the right policies, standards, practices and regulations are in place to achieve this goal.
A global network representing the whole dairy value chain
IDF brings together a vast international network of experts and national committees, representing every link of the dairy chain. Its members come from a diverse range of professional fields, including:
- Food standards and regulatory affairs
- Hygiene and safety
- Methods of analysis and sampling
- Farm management
- Animal health and welfare
- Dairy science and technology
- Nutrition and health
- Environmental sustainability
- Economics and policy
- Marketing and communication
This cross-sectoral expertise enables IDF to build consensus, strengthen capacity, and create solutions tailored to the needs of an evolving global dairy sector. Through its network of over 1,200 highly qualified dairy experts in 40 member countries—representing two-thirds of global milk production—IDF provides science-based evidence and advice for standard and regulation setting, serves as the global voice of dairy to intergovernmental organizations, and offers a forum for the sector to reach consensus on key issues.
The IDF International Mastitis Conferences
Mastitis remains one of the most significant challenges in dairy production worldwide, affecting animal health, milk quality, and farm profitability. Since its inception in 1985, the IDF International Mastitis Conference has stood as the world’s premier gathering for professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions in the fight against mastitis - a persistent challenge in dairy production. Hosted every five years in various IDF member countries, the conference has become a cornerstone event for the global dairy community, fostering collaboration, innovation, and the exchange of cutting-edge research.
The inaugural symposium took place in the United Kingdom, setting a precedent for international cooperation and scientific rigor. Over the decades, the conference has travelled across continents, with host countries including Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Denmark. The most recent edition was held in Copenhagen in 2019, drawing participants from every corner of the globe.
This rotating international venue underscores the IDF’s commitment to inclusivity and the recognition that mastitis is a universal concern, affecting dairy herds and producers worldwide. By convening in different countries, the conference not only showcases regional expertise but also encourages the sharing of diverse perspectives and practices.
A comprehensive scientific programme
The primary goal of the IDF International Mastitis Conference is to provide a thorough and up-to-date overview of mastitis research and management. The event’s agenda spans a wide array of topics, including husbandry, immunology, technology and treatments, epidemiology, microbiology, and nutrition. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that attendees gain insights into every facet of mastitis prevention and control, from the latest scientific discoveries to practical applications on the farm.
The conference is particularly focused on bovine production, reflecting the central role of cows in global milk supply and the economic impact of mastitis on dairy operations. However, the knowledge shared often extends to other species and sectors, reinforcing the interconnectedness of animal health and food security.
A diverse and dynamic audience
Participants at the IDF International Mastitis Conference represent a broad spectrum of the dairy sector. Veterinarians, milk producers, industry representatives, trade associations, academics, researchers, and government officials all converge at the event, united by a common goal: to combat mastitis and improve the health and productivity of dairy herds.
This diversity is a key strength of the conference, fostering dialogue between those who develop new technologies and treatments and those who implement them in the field. It also facilitates the translation of research into policy, ensuring that scientific advances inform regulations and industry standards.
The 2026 IDF Joint Conference on mastitis and milking technology
Bringing together leading experts in milking technology and innovation, lactation biology, udder and teat health, mastitis detection, prevention, and treatment, milk quality assurance, and sustainable dairy farming practices. The 2026 conference promises to be a vibrant meeting point for researchers, industry leaders, veterinarians, and dairy farmers. Attendees will have the opportunity to exchange the latest scientific findings, explore cutting-edge technologies in milking and mastitis management, network with global leaders shaping the future of dairy production, participate in workshops, technical sessions, and panel discussions, and experience Swedish hospitality in the heart of Stockholm.
Looking ahead: the future of mastitis research
As the IDF International Mastitis Conference continues its tradition, it remains the leading global forum for addressing one of dairy farming’s most persistent challenges. By bringing together experts from around the world, the conference not only advances the science of mastitis but also strengthens the bonds within the dairy community, paving the way for healthier herds and a more sustainable future for milk production.
For more information on upcoming conferences and the latest developments in mastitis research, visit the International Dairy Federation’s official website (https://fil-idf.org/).
Membership
IDF’s membership is made up of National Committees, constituted by dairy organizations in each country.
- Access to an unrivalled source of scientific and technical knowledge.
- Comprehensive coverage and understanding of all dairy-related issues.
- Participation in world class working groups
This content is for M²-DIGITAL, M²-PREMIUM, M²-INSTITUTIONAL & NMC members only.
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