The Dairy Declaration of Rotterdam was established at the World Dairy Summit in Rotterdam in October 2016.
The declaration – whose signatories are the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) – signals both a commitment towards feeding the world with safe and sustainable products and enhancing sustainability.
Dairy sector support
Kimberly Crewther, executive director of DCANZ, said endorsing the declaration is a signal of strong support for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and for the important role of the dairy sector in the global community's efforts toward sustainable development.
"We look forward to working with all IDF and FAO members to deliver the outcomes in the Declaration and its Sustainable Development Goals," Crewther said.
The Declaration highlights areas where the dairy sector can support the achievement of its Sustainable Development Goals from an economic, social, environmental and health perspective.
MPI director-general Martyn Dunne noted New Zealand is already engaged in collective global efforts to promote the efficient use of natural resources and combat climate change, such as the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases, and the Global Dairy Agenda for Action.
Dairy’s role in diet
Tim Mackle, chief executive of DairyNZ, said the declaration recognizes the major economic contribution that dairy makes to realizing the sustainable development aspirations of farmers and communities around the world.
Crewther also welcomed the declaration's focus on the social and health dimensions of dairy and its role in a balanced, nutritious and healthy diet.
"As a leader in the production of safe and sustainable dairy nutrition, we'll continue to work to support the global development of science-based standards, policies, and practices for food safety and improved health outcomes," she said.