Critical discussions with global key members unfolded at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) last month in St. Paul, Minn., about the need for more sustainable food production. Altogether, 130 counties participated in the summit to open dialogue that strikes the balance of adequately nourishing a growing population while also caring for the earth.
With the U.S. dairy industry playing a leading role thanks to its 2050 Net Zero goals, two dairy farmers, Charles Krause and Deb Vander Kooi, took the stage at the UNFSS. The Minnesota dairy farmers shared their first-hand knowledge about sustainable farming to showcase how dairy is a viable nutrition source that has the power to both provide nourishment to underdeveloped populations and drive economic impact in communities around the world.
For the past 18 months, both producers, who are both strong advocates for the dairy industry, have joined with the UN Member States and constituencies for discussions about the future of food and agriculture.
“It was an honor to be one of several dairy farmers from the United States who had the opportunity to participate in this very important global event,” Deb Vander Kooi, who milks 1,300 cows alongside family members on their Ocheda Dairy in Worthington says, “Our participation in an event like this ensures that dairy can continue to lead the way for sustainable agriculture on a worldwide scale.”
Before the summit, both dairy producers participated in virtual meetings and discussions, sharing their insights and stories on social media and adding their voices to how Midwest dairy farmers have a positive impact on the global food system and the environment. They also received training on how to address foreign dignitaries, as well as people from other countries and cultures, ensuring that dairy’s story is shared in a way that is accurate and impactful during these important discussions.
Located in Buffalo, dairy producer Krause, along with his family, owns and operated Krause Holstein home to 300 milking cows, says he was extremely proud to be part of this global event. “As a viable, sustainable nutrition source, dairy has more power than any other food source to provide nourishment to underdeveloped populations while driving economic impact in communities around the globe,” he says.
Both Krause and Vander Kooi are committed to continuing these conversations in any way they can – in meetings, events, socially and online discussions to further help amplify dairy’s role in this very important global conversation.
Midwest Dairy’s CEO, Molly Pelzer, underscores the importance of the voices of dairy farmers and the impact they have in their local communities, as well as the impact globally. “Both have given their time to not only show the ways in which dairy is leading the way for sustainable agriculture, but also to ensure that dairy has a strong and influential voice when it comes to the global transformation of our world’s food systems, and in setting guidelines and standards for sustainable agriculture moving forward.”
