Summit to focus on opportunities for a sustainable dairy industry

A major summit will take place later this month which bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators to examine “Pioneering Sustainability in Dairy Processing”.

The Circular Dairy Summit 2024 will take place on October 24 in Naas and will explore the latest advancements and future directions in the circular bioeconomy within the dairy sector.

The summit is organised by the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) – a leading research and innovation hub dedicated to advancing the dairy processing industry through cutting-edge research, technology development, and industry collaboration.

The event will focus on developing market strategies and incentives to “incorporate circular economy practices” within the dairy industry, to support decarbonisation efforts and safeguard Ireland’s waterways.

Summit

The Circular Dairy Summit 2024 takes place at a crucial time for Ireland’s dairy sector just weeks after ministers at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) welcomed a team from the EU’s Environment Directorate to Ireland to present the work being done by farmers to improve water quality.

A number of distinguished speakers will take part in the summit which will also feature a ministerial address from Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon.

There will be a number of key sessions on the day which will highlight critical areas and best working practice, these will include:

Innovative Flagships: Learn about flagship projects like the national multi-purpose bioeconomy pilot facility at Lisheen, which transforms biomass residues into high-value products, and the EIT Climate KIC – Dairy Flagship, focused on sustainable dairy production;
Decarbonising Irish Dairy: Discover the road map for decarbonising Irish dairy through the adoption of circular practices, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing sustainability;
Policy Support: Explore how strategic policies can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and promote sustainability within the dairy industry.

The summit will be dedicated to “promoting sustainability within the dairy industry” and during the day various speakers will provide insights into latest research, innovative projects and strategic policies driving sustainability and circular practices in dairy processing.

Speakers will include:

Dr Keristena Grewan: head of ESG Reporting, Ornua;
Conor Ryan: CEO, Arrabawn Dairies;
Prof. Vincent O’Flaherty: University of Galway and Co-Founder of GlasPort Bio-, who will discuss the latest industry-led research and innovations on sustainable dairy processing (DPTC);
David Kennedy: head of dairy, Bord Bia;
James Gaffey: Munster Technological University- CircBio Research Group, who will present on BiOrbic – Farm Zero C: The role of green biorefinery in a sustainable dairy model.
Lucy Ryan: head of food and beverage sector, Bank of Ireland
Prof. David Styles: University of Galway, sharing insights on visioning sustainable and resilient dairy exports.