Dairy Sustainability in Action: Dairy Working Group meets in New York
7th November 2025
The event, held from 6–9 October, aimed at promoting sustainability in the global dairy supply chain.
Set amongst the beautiful autumnal colours of Auburn, in Cayuga County, members from SAI Platform’s Dairy Working Group gathered to explore the inner workings of New York State’s dairy industry. Across 4-days, 70 participants and 35 organisations, including farmers, researchers, sustainability and technology professionals, the event spotlighted the ongoing aligned effort to promote sustainability in the global dairy supply chain.
Hosted by Cayuga Milk Ingredients, and its partner farms, event highlights included tours in award-winning farms, sharing knowledge, building new connections, and exchanging ideas under the theme of ‘Dairy Sustainability in Action’. Interactive workshops covered diverse topics in the global dairy supply chain such as climate science, farmer-driven innovation, ESG reporting tools, dairy-specific greenhouse gas methodologies, deforestation, and regenerative agriculture.
“This latest Dairy Working Group meeting was an interesting mix of farm visits and workshops where we learned about cutting-edge innovations in feed efficiency, manure management, animal health and welfare, worker empowerment and environmental protection. This was a timely opportunity for us to exchange knowledge and ideas on climate science, sustainability reporting, regenerative agriculture, and many other important topics.”
Nancy Winkelmolen, Sr Dairy Sustainability Specialist at Interfood
SAI Platform members and invited guests toured nine farms, each showcasing its unique sustainability features. Throughout these visits, participants noted how the farmers share a similar vision on sustainability, learn from each other and excel at their specialisations. The themes of holistic farm health and collective progress on dairy sustainability left members feeling inspired and eager to build momentum with renewed purpose.
Insightful workshop discussions and brainstorm sessions outlined the Dairy Working Group’s plans to position itself as a global leader in sustainable dairy, aiming to develop tools collaboratively, share knowledge, and establish best practices in end-to-end dairy supply chain, from co-operatives to retailers.
The event concluded with a cruise on the beautiful Cayuga Lake, the longest of the ‘Finger Lakes’ in central New York state, offering space to reflect and network further.
Thank you to all participants for their shared insights, knowledge exchanges and contributions to shaping the future of sustainable dairy.