The latest edition of Dairy Flash covers key developments in the EU dairy sector — from veterinary challenges and livestock development strategies to innovation, sustainability and Ukraine’s integration. According to EDA, the focus is on policy initiatives, market trends and cooperation between businesses and international institutions. Below is an overview of the main topics in this issue.

Forum on the Future of Agriculture 2026 — the EU’s strategy for livestock farming

During a side event at the Future of Agriculture 2026 Forum, its co-founder Mark Titterington, together with ADISSEO and Eurosite, hosted a meeting on the future sustainability of the livestock sector, with a particular focus on the dairy industry.

Sanne Dekker (RFC) and Katrine Konge Varming (Arla Foods), two leading experts on sustainability, innovation and development in the dairy sector, joined the discussion.

MEP Jessica van Leeuwen (ECR, NL) emphasised the importance of innovation and also highlighted the specific situation in the Netherlands.

Sustainability, competitiveness, excellence, resilience and territoriality – as key components of the future EU Strategy for Livestock Farming – were presented by Alisa Tiganj (from the office of European Commissioner Christophe Hansen):

“Agriculture is an integral part of Europe’s overall competitiveness, and the livestock sector is an essential component of the EU’s agricultural sector. We will base our Strategy on the key elements set out in the Vision for the Future of Agriculture and Food.”

MIV Veterinary Round Table in Brussels

Together with MEP Christine Singer (EPP, DE), Dr Angela Kohl and Astrid Stein from our German member organisation MIV, the 22nd Veterinary Round Table was organised at the Bavarian Embassy in Brussels.

“We have focused this session on animal diseases and vaccination strategies — and a lively discussion with MEP Christine Singer (EPP, DE), MEP Stefan Köhler (EPP, DE) and the relevant departments of the European Commission and the German Ministry of Agriculture highlighted the growing importance of these issues at both European and national levels,” emphasised Dr Angela Kohl (MIV).

EDA discusses innovation strategies in the dairy sector in Amsterdam

Marcella Rosato from the EDA presented the EDA’s work and findings at the Dairy Innovation Strategies conference in Amsterdam (Netherlands), highlighting key EU policy trends shaping the future of the dairy sector, including ultra-processed foods, sugar taxes and sustainable food systems.

The event was organised by Arena International and brought together industry experts to discuss innovations and future challenges in the dairy sector, whilst also serving as an excellent platform for networking with industry representatives.

EDA is co-organising a private sector dialogue with the FAO on the sustainability of agri-food systems

Next week, the EDA will support the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) in organising a high-level private sector dialogue in Brussels on the sustainability, resilience and financing of agri-food systems.

The event will bring together representatives from the EU’s agri-food sectors, organisations and institutions to exchange views and recommendations. The consultation is being organised in the run-up to the next FAO Regional Conference for Europe (ERC35), which will take place in Tajikistan in May 2026.

This is the first time that an FAO policy consultation has been officially co-organised by a private-sector organisation, in line with the FAO’s new Strategy for Engagement with the Private Sector for 2026–2030.

The discussion will identify key messages to be presented at the Regional Conference and demonstrate how collaboration between the FAO and the private sector is having a tangible impact on agri-food systems.

The event highlights the EDA’s long-standing collaboration with the FAO to further enhance the sustainability of food systems through innovation, resource-efficient production practices and international cooperation.

EDA is discussing PPWR with Tetra Pak

The FEP EDA team was delighted to meet with Jovana Mitrovic from Tetra Pak to discuss the European Commission’s recently published Q&A on the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Cooperation between the two organisations is vital for overcoming the challenges that this legislation poses for the dairy sector, as we work to meet its requirements whilst maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.

We look forward to continuing this dialogue with Tetra Pak during the secondary legislation phase of the PPWR.

Ukraine: The Committee on EU Integration has a new leadership

At a board meeting in late March, our Ukrainian partner organisation UDEU, elected Oleksandr Avramuk (Groupe Lactalis) as the new chair of the Committee on the EU Integration of Ukraine’s Dairy Sector (UDEU).

Oleksandr Avramuk presented a clear programme of work for 2026/2027, building on the work of his predecessor, Andriy Tabalov.

At the meeting of the SMU Board, Alexander Anton from EDA welcomed the new chair:

“With over 20 years’ experience at a global leader rooted in the values of a family business, Oleksandr Avramuk is the leader capable of continuing Andriy’s legacy and integrating the Ukrainian dairy sector into our European ‘lactosphere’. We look forward to working with Oleksandr and his team!”

A major victory for the dairy industry: Switzerland tightens rules on the use of the term ‘milk’

In a recent ruling, the Swiss Federal Court upheld a 2022 decision rejecting the company’s request to use the term ‘milk’ for plant-based drinks.

The specific case concerned a product labelled ‘not milk’, but the court ruled that even the negative or typographically altered use of the term ‘milk’ for a vegan product is not permitted.

The decision reaffirms the principle that dairy terms should be used exclusively for products of animal origin.

The EDA welcomes this decision as further confirmation of its long-standing support for the protection of dairy terms within the EU and beyond. The protection of these terms is vital for transparency, consumer clarity and the integrity of the dairy sector worldwide.

EDA welcoming new intern: Shaïsta Kassamaly

“Hello, my name is Shaïsta Kassamaly. I recently joined EDA as an intern for the next six months as part of the final stage of my Master’s degree in Business Law.”

“My favourite dairy product is Greek yoghurt, because it’s very creamy, and I like its slightly tangy flavour, which works well in both sweet and savoury dishes.” – she said

Source: EDA