Dairy Processing - March/April 2023 - 69

Mike Durkin, chair, Innovation
Center for US Dairy and chief
executive officer, Leprino Foods
we operate in an environment filled with growing non-dairy
alternatives and a chorus of extremists who would prefer we
live in a world without animal-based products. You're also
seeing companies, including many dairy customers, follow
environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings, which -
whether we agree with them or not - are here to stay.
This is our opportunity to demonstrate that dairy is an
environmental solution and plays a vital role in sustainably
feeding a growing global population - from its origins on our
nation's family farms all the way to businesses such as ours
that make dairy's unmatched nutrition available for people to
enjoy here and around the world.
It's why I applaud another Innovation Center-led effort, the
development of US Dairy's Environmental Stewardship Goals.
With these goals, which were announced in 2020, the US dairy
community commits to achieving greenhouse gas neutrality,
optimize water use and improve water quality by 2050.
While these efforts matter to us domestically, it's
important to note how there is great potential to further
grow our business beyond our borders. US dairy exports are
coming off another banner year, setting a record of $9.6 billion
in total value with about 18 percent of our milk production
heading internationally.
I think there is even more opportunity when you look
at the disruptive international landscape and see countries
placing limits on cow herd numbers, increased taxes on
farmers and a stronger emphasis on ESG. US dairy is in a
position to capitalize but we must do our part and show that
our desired cheese, powders and ingredients are delivering
We feel that if we are going
to hold ourselves accountable
and build trust as an industry,
we need everyone at the table. "
the proof points that they were produced in a way that is good
for the planet and the animals.
I also see growth opportunities with our US consumer
base - including the younger generation - as we adapt to the
concept of " food as medicine. " Dairy comes with unparalleled
13 essential nutrients and in a time when consumers want
more from the foods they eat, dairy delivers benefits related to
immunity, calm, energy and digestive health.
We're no different than any other industry in that we'll
always face challenges. During my tenure as Innovation Center
chair, my goal is to see the opportunity within the challenge.
I believe in our collective ability to take whatever comes our
way and address it head on through the unified camaraderie,
inspiration and strength that comes from us all working
together through the Innovation Center for US Dairy.
The Innovation Center for US Dairy is a voluntary
organization that works with leaders from across the dairy
value chain to align on pre-competitive priorities, drive
progress and speak with one voice to advance a shared
social responsibility platform.
DAIRYPROCESSING.COM | MAR-APR 2023 69
http://www.DAIRYPROCESSING.COM
Dairy Processing - March/April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dairy Processing - March/April 2023
